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Daniel Günther (CDU), Prime Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, during an interview in his office in the State Chancellery.
© Christian Charisius/dpa
Prime Minister Daniel Günther (CDU) has defended planned cuts in Schleswig-Holstein's budget for 2024.
“Where we cut funds, we do it carefully and with a sense of proportion,” said Günther on Wednesday when introducing the government’s draft budget in the state parliament.
“With this draft, we are closing the budget gap and still making necessary investments.”
Kiel - “We are investing in the future of Schleswig-Holstein, mitigating the consequences of the crisis and making the necessary savings,” said Günther.
The government wants to invest primarily in education, social and internal security, climate protection, digitalization and mobility.
In addition to the financial aftermath of the corona pandemic and the consequences of the war in Ukraine, the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling on federal emergency loans has an impact.
“As a result of the ruling, the handling of emergency loans must also be adjusted in this country, which is why the state parliament has declared an emergency situation for last year and this year.”
It is right to use the opportunity for emergency loans instead of clear-cutting the budget, said Günther.
The draft provides for around 644 million euros through an emergency loan.
The largest single item is 137 million in state funding for the establishment of a battery factory by the Swedish company Northvolt near Heide.
“The state’s financial support is an investment in Schleswig-Holstein’s energy independence and its future as a location for green industry and energy.” dpa