Saxony votes in favor of financial package

Saxony has approved the multi-billion euro financial package for defense and infrastructure from the CDU/CSU and SPD in the Bundesrat as announced. Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) made it clear that he believes structural reforms are necessary following the decision. "This second step must come", he said in the state chamber.

A different dynamic was needed in Germany. "We need to remove the brakes on growth." Kretschmer cited reforms in labor law, for example, as well as the need to speed up planning procedures so that construction could be completed more quickly.

Clear majority for financial package in the Bundesrat

The Bundesrat approved the financial package this morning. As in the Bundestag, the necessary two-thirds majority for the corresponding amendment to the Basic Law was also achieved in the state chamber. The law still has to be checked by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to ensure that it is constitutional and then signed.

The amendment to the Basic Law received 53 of the 69 votes in the Bundesrat. A total of 46 would have been required. Only the states of Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Rhineland-Palatinate abstained, all others voted in favor.

Köpping: Special fund is in the interests of the Free State

Saxony voted in favor out of conviction, said Deputy Prime Minister and Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD), according to a statement. The special fund was in the interests of the Free State and could be used to finance essential projects. "We can modernize schools and bridges, continue to invest in our hospitals and strengthen local public transport."

Economics Minister Dirk Panter (SPD) also welcomed the decision. The collapse of the Carola Bridge and the condition of Deutsche Bahn were not the first signs that Germany urgently needed to invest money in infrastructure, he said in a statement. "Above all, the construction industry in the Free State of Saxony will benefit from the additional funds, which will also have a positive impact on the labor market."