Criticism from Saxony: Minister Köpping calls for improvements to the special fund

Criticism from Saxony: Minister Köpping calls for improvements to the special fund

The discussion about the planned federal program for future investments is gaining momentum. Saxony's Deputy Prime Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) has been clearly critical of the current framework conditions of the special fund. In her statement, she draws attention to the need for improvements to ensure the effectiveness of the program in Saxony and the new federal states. Loud sueddeutsche.de the special fund in its current form will not be able to achieve the desired effects.

Köpping particularly criticizes the rigid conditions, which only cover additional and new investments. This represents an obstacle to urgently needed investments, especially given the strained budget situation in many federal states. She points out that the states must expect falling tax revenues as a result of the federal government's planned economic stimulus program. Important areas such as sport and culture have no place in the current program, which Köpping considers to be inadequate.

Positive aspects and necessary improvements

Despite their criticism, Saxony agrees with the fundamental decisions on the special fund. This happened at a meeting of the Federal Council, which Köpping described as historic and important for the future of Germany and Saxony. One goal of the special fund becomes clear here: targeted future investments in infrastructure. Saxony plans to invest 500 million euros annually in various sectors to strengthen education, health, mobility as well as the business location and climate protection. The planned projects include the modernization of schools and bridges as well as investments in hospitals and local public transport. In addition, Köpping emphasizes the relevance of the Sachsenfonds for infrastructure development.

Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) plans to introduce the special pot for investments in infrastructure and climate protection this month. The debt-financed special fund is to be approved by the cabinet on June 24th. Köpping reports that she was already promised a solution in an exchange with Vice Chancellor Klingbeil, which offers an optimistic outlook for the upcoming decisions.

However, the challenges that need to be addressed under this program are clear. It remains to be seen whether the necessary improvements to make the special fund accessible to all important areas can be made and how quickly these changes will be implemented.