These subsidies cost the state billions

Berlin For the Federal Court of Auditors, the matter is clear: According to a recent report, public budgets have already come under considerable pressure due to the corona pandemic and the effects of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. This means that the financial leeway to cushion unforeseen events has “reduced noticeably”. The Court of Auditors expects a significant increase in demographic-related expenditure in the coming decades.

The governing coalition of SPD, Greens and FDP needs new sources of money to financially secure agreed projects. The coalition agreement provides a clue. It says: “We want to gain additional budgetary leeway by reducing subsidies and expenditure that are superfluous, ineffective and harmful to the environment and climate.” Because in order to finance investments, tax increases or the relaxation of the debt brake should be avoided. The Federal Court of Auditors also supports this.