The government of Schleswig-Holstein faces the task of submitting the draft budget for 2025 by the end of September and closing a gap of 200 million euros. Despite this challenge, Finance Minister Silke Schneider remains optimistic that the Black-Green coalition will find a way to manage the budget.
However, the state must also save one billion euros by 2030, which has led to calls for job cuts and savings on personnel costs. CDU parliamentary group leader Tobias Koch is against cutting funds in education, police, and justice, while the SPD and SSW reject savings in the social sector.
The state's funding programs have also come under criticism for their lack of benefit. In addition, opposition parties have filed a constitutional complaint against the 2024 budget, alleging misuse of emergency loans.
The budget planning process is not limited to Schleswig-Holstein; at the federal level, the budget for 2025 is being discussed. Several ministries will need to make savings, with the largest budget allocated to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.
However, there are concerns about the use of emergency loans and the lack of a valid repayment plan. The Bundesrechnungshof has criticized Robert Habeck, the Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, for the subventions practices of his ministry.
The budget situation in North Rhine-Westphalia has also sparked controversy, with differing opinions on the state's financial status and priorities.
