The double budget of the Free State of Saxony for 2025 and 2026 is a done deal. This evening, the minority coalition of the CDU and SPD voted in favor of the budget together with the Greens and Left Party MPs. Of these four parliamentary groups, only Left Party MP Nam Duy Nguyen voted against, as previously announced.
The representatives of the AfD and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) rejected the bill. In total, there were 62 votes in favor, 52 against and no abstentions. Six of the 120 MPs were absent.
Coalition needed support from the opposition
The coalition was reliant on help from the opposition because it lacked ten votes for a majority in parliament. It had therefore agreed to include several Green and Left Party projects in the government's draft budget. Planned cuts, particularly in the areas of social welfare, culture and nature conservation, were thus reversed. Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU) expressly thanked the Greens and the Left for their cooperation.
The budget provides for expenditure totaling around 50.2 billion euros. In order to compensate for a shortfall of four billion euros, the government also made cuts. The budget equalization reserve was dissolved. The allocation to the generation fund, which Saxony wants to use to cushion its pension burdens for civil servants, is falling. The repayment of coronavirus debt is being adjusted. In addition, not all federal programs will be co-financed.
Finance Minister speaks of a transitional budget
Finance Minister Christian Piwarz (CDU) spoke of a "transitional budget". He said it would buy time to tackle the necessary consolidation. The overall situation for the next budget could be even more difficult.
"Debt can only be the last resort," said Piwarz. It can only be done if it is associated with added value for the next generation. At the same time, he spoke out in favor of further staff cuts. There has already been a trend reversal. We need to look closely at where we need which specialists and which expertise.
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