AfD sets conditions for approval of the budget

The AfD parliamentary group in the Saxon state parliament is making its approval of the 2025/2026 double budget dependent on the renunciation of new debt, the repayment of coronavirus loans and a far-reaching reduction in administrative staff. The specific details are negotiable, said Jörg Urban, party leader and parliamentary group chairman of the AfD in Saxony. "In principle, we want structural reform to begin with a budget without debt." Urban called on the CDU to enter into talks.

The AfD sees no room for maneuver when it comes to repaying the loans from the coronavirus pandemic. The debts incurred should be repaid as part of the current budget, Urban demanded. In their draft budget, the CDU and SPD plan to extend the repayment of loans from the coronavirus pandemic in order to provide relief in terms of expenditure.

Savings in state administration, asylum and universities

According to spokesperson Felix Menzel, the parliamentary group submitted a total of 169 amendments with savings and 47 with additional expenditure.

The largest opposition parliamentary group sees potential savings in three areas in particular: in the state administration through a hiring freeze and the reduction of thousands of jobs, in the area of asylum, including at the initial reception facilities, and at universities through a reduction in subsidies and the introduction of tuition fees for students from non-EU countries. Urban called spending on integration measures, the promotion of democracy and "left-wing associations" superfluous.

The minority government submitted its draft for the 2025/26 double budget to the state parliament at the beginning of April. The CDU and SPD are ten votes short of a majority in parliament and are reliant on approval from the opposition. The BSW, Greens and Left Party had also already tabled numerous amendments. The budget is due to be passed by the state parliament in June.