Disagreements between the federal government and states over the Digital Pact for schools are intensifying, raising concerns about potential fractures within the coalition. Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger emphasizes the urgency for states to contribute to funding, as the previous pact has expired. A new Digital Pact 2.0 is crucial for future investments, but discussions are stalled over responsibilities and finances. Additionally, the Minister faces scrutiny regarding the “funding scandal,” with calls for transparency regarding communications and internal decisions.
Disagreements between federal and state governments on the Digital Pact, potential fractures in the coalition, and the funding scandal: Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger faces numerous challenges. What is her stance?
The situation is complex, with both sides entrenched, and urgent action is required: federal and state governments appear unable to reach an agreement on the Digital Pact for schools for the upcoming year. In this week’s ARD Interview of the Week, Federal Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger puts pressure on the federal states. “We are clearly positioned at the federal level,” says the FDP politician. A financial offer of €2.5 billion is on the table, but now it is essential for the states to declare their contributions.
Since 2019, the federal government and states have invested billions through Digital Pact 1.0 to modernize schools with better technology like Wi-Fi, iPads, and tablets. However, this pact expired in the summer.
Everyone agrees: a continuation is necessary, hence Digital Pact 2.0 is needed. However, time is of the essence if it is to commence next year. The federal and state governments are currently at odds, with key disputes revolving around responsibilities and funding.
The pressing question remains: who should be responsible for advancing school digitalization—the federal government or the states?
Between the Federal States
Stark-Watzinger insists on a shared financing model: 50% funding from the federal government and 50% from the states. The FDP politician is calling for “more speed.” Yet, in a federal system, there are 16 responsible ministers across the states, with education being under state jurisdiction.
This is “a significant demand from families in our country” for greater comparability between states: “We want to be mobile with our educational qualifications.” If the federal government were responsible for overarching education issues, citizens would have a responsible point of contact, according to Stark-Watzinger.
After the summit at the Chancellery, the economy is left puzzled. A follow-up meeting is planned.
For the FDP, everything depends on the Economy
However, the difficulties do not only lie between the federal and state governments; the political operations within the federal government are also faltering. The FDP, Greens, and SPD are positioning themselves in public—each separately. It appears election campaigning has already begun, evidenced by the independently called industry and economy summits conducted by SPD Chancellor Olaf Scholz and FDP Finance Minister Christian Lindner this week.
Education Minister Stark-Watzinger did not attend any of these meetings. It’s often overlooked that she also serves as the deputy federal chairperson of the FDP. When asked about a possible rupture between the FDP and the coalition, the minister states, “Of course, we intend to fulfill this legislative period, and I want to see it through, but we must also make the right decisions.”
For her and the FDP, everything now hinges on the economy and budget. “A government is effective when it performs its duties well. That’s the key question for the coming weeks.”
Were the chat messages related to the funding scandal really as private as the minister claims?
Clarified?
Stark-Watzinger seems to evade further questions regarding the funding scandal. In her ministry, there was a brief review of whether to cut state funding for researchers who had expressed opposition to the clearing of a pro-Palestinian protest camp at a Berlin university in a letter.
In the ARD Interview of the Week, the education minister reiterates that she has been transparent. Critics—including those within the coalition—disagree, still raising questions: Why doesn’t the minister allow the former state secretary, who was dismissed for her role in the scandal, to speak publicly? Why hasn’t the ministry disclosed internal communications?
Confronted with these issues, Stark-Watzinger replied that they must now “focus on the topics that will advance our country.” She further maintains that the funding scandal is resolved.
This topic was reported by Inforadio on November 2, 2024, at 06:34 AM.