German Government Rejects Request for Budget Information
Berlin, 14 January 2025 – The German government has rejected a request from the Bundestag’s Budget Committee for information on the upcoming federal budget. The committee had asked for the government’s draft budget for the years 2026-2028, as well as supporting documents and analyses.
In response, the government stated that it is still in the process of preparing the budget and that it is not yet possible to provide the requested information. The government also cited legal concerns, arguing that the release of such information could harm ongoing negotiations with the European Union.
The Budget Committee has expressed disappointment with the government’s decision. The committee’s chairman, Helge Lindh (SPD), said that the government’s response was “unacceptable” and that the committee would pursue all legal options to obtain the requested information.
The government’s refusal to provide the requested information has raised questions about its transparency and accountability. The opposition parties have criticized the government for trying to hide information from the public and parliament.
The government’s decision is also being seen as a test of the new coalition government’s commitment to transparency. The coalition agreement, which was signed by the Social Democrats (SPD), the Greens, and the Free Democrats (FDP), includes a pledge to strengthen parliamentary control over the government’s budget.
The government’s rejection of the Budget Committee’s request is likely to lead to further conflict between the government and parliament. The committee has threatened to summon Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) to testify before the committee if the government does not provide the requested information.
The government’s decision is also likely to fuel public skepticism about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The government has been criticized in the past for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and for its reluctance to provide information to the public.
Additional Information
- The German federal budget for the years 2026-2028 is expected to be around €1 trillion per year.
- The government is facing pressure from the European Union to reduce its budget deficit.
- The opposition parties have accused the government of trying to hide information from the public.
- The government has been criticized in the past for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and for its reluctance to provide information to the public.
Regierung lehnt Auskunft zum Haushalt ab
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