Traffic light noise: Lindner apparently blocks Scholz' aid package for low earners
Created: 07/25/2022, 11:31 am
By: Linus Prien
Olaf Scholz and Christian Lindner © IMAGO/Stefan Boness/Ipon
Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner has probably thwarted an aid program for low earners by Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
The FDP boss argues with the debt brake.
Berlin Chancellor Olaf Scholz made several announcements last Friday.
Among other things, he probably wanted to present a new aid program for low-income earners.
According to a report by
Bild
, Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner prevented the planned presentation.
Scholz wanted to present the spending package worth around five billion euros on Friday, the newspaper reported on Monday with reference to coalition circles.
However, Lindner opposed the plans, after which Scholz was unable to provide any specific information about new aid.
Christian Lindner: "We will operate within the framework set by the constitution"
The FDP boss wants to prevent additional spending next year with a view to the debt brake.
The finance minister argued that there was hardly any room for additional spending in the federal budget,
Bild
reported .
The Federal Minister of Finance said: “We will and will have to operate within the framework prescribed by the constitution.
Some are speculating that there will be an exception to the debt brake again.
Behind this lies the misunderstanding that one could then finance general political projects and wishes.
But that is legally impossible.”
Olaf Scholz: "You'll never walk alone"
On Friday, Scholz announced a rescue package for the ailing energy company Uniper, which will mean that gas prices for consumers will continue to rise in the medium term.
As compensation, the chancellor held out the prospect of further relief for citizens and companies.
Among other things, he announced a “major housing benefit reform”, which is intended to expand the circle of those entitled to housing benefit.
The Chancellor added to his announcements: "You'll never walk alone".
(AFP/LP)
