Government question time
During government question time, the Federal Chancellor listed the six areas of policy which are currently important: the impact of the court ruling concerning the climate and transformation fund, action against irregular migration, acceleration of planning procedures, reduced electricity tax for companies, and solidarity with Israel and Ukraine. An overview.
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Federal Chancellor Scholz answered the questions of the members of parliament in the Bundestag.
Photo: Federal Government/Steins
- In its latest ruling, the Federal Constitutional Court clarified that the supplementary budget law is not compatible with the Constitution. This ruling has a direct impact on the climate and transformation fund. “Those 60 billion euros are no longer available,” said Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz during government question time in the Bundestag on Wednesday.
He added that the economic plan had to be restructured apart from a few immediate measures in the building sector. The Federal Chancellor explained that the way budget management had been handled to date might be affected, and that the Federal Government would be observing the ruling and reviewing its consequences. He pointed out that one thing was certain, nevertheless: “Germany needs plenty of investment.” Existing challenges now had to be addressed within a different framework, he said. More information is available here: The government will strictly comply with the ruling. - The Federal Government wants to take action against irregular migration in cooperation with the federal states. This includes significant streamlining of management activities, the introduction of payment cards and accelerated procedures. Initial decisions in asylum procedures are to be made within six months. The Federal Chancellor pointed out that this was a major step forward.
The Federal Government will make more funding available to the federal states and communities if the number of refugees increases. Such payments will be reduced once again if numbers decrease. Further improvements are to be made in the area of citizenship law. People who live and work here should be proud to be able to become German citizens, the Federal Chancellor said. More information is available here: Federation-Länder talks. - Germany Pact: The 100 individual measures to accelerate planning procedures for infrastructure projects are a huge step forward. The fields of data use, digitalisation, pharmaceutical research and the hydrogen industry are to follow suit.
- The Federal Government suggested that all political costs that are linked to electricity supply should be reduced for production companies. The electricity tax is to be reduced to the minimum amount according to European law. This will ease the burden significantly. More information is available here: Keeping energy affordable.
- In the area of foreign policy, the Federal Chancellor highlighted Israel’s right to defend itself. He cautioned that the war must not spread further in the region. “We are engaged in talks with the governments in the region,” Scholz said. The Federal Government calls on Hamas to release its hostages. It is the Federal Government’s job to make sure that humanitarian aid can get to Gaza. A large share of this aid is funded by the G7 states.
Regarding effects in Germany, the Federal Chancellor stressed that when Jews in Germany are being threatened, we should regard this as an attack on ourselves. “It is key for us to stand side by side as citizens and for the state to do its job” to protect people. Further information: Germany stands firmly alongside Israel - The Federal Chancellor also promised long-term support to Ukraine for “as long as necessary” and pointed out that this also applied in view of the EU accession criteria that Ukraine must fulfil. Planning also provides for a reconstruction conference to be held in Germany next year. Further information is available on our topic page.