Hamburg changes debt brake: A dangerous course to debt!

Hamburg ändert die Schuldenbremse und schafft Neuverschuldungsspielraum. Kritiker warnen vor unsicherem Kurs.
Hamburg changes the debt brake and creates new debt. Critics warn of the uncertain course. (Symbolbild/MND)

Hamburg changes debt brake: A dangerous course to debt!

The political wave strikes

in Hamburg: the Hamburg citizenship has approved a change in the debt brake in the first reading. This determined an annual structural freedom of new debt of up to 0.35 percent of German gross domestic product (GDP). This happened on Wednesday with 104 votes in favor and only 10 no votes. The majority of MPs, including the red-green coalition, the CDU and the left, supported this directional decision, while the AfD clearly spoke out against it. However, the necessary two-thirds majority has been reached, reports

The financial situation and its consequences

These developments raise questions: How does Hamburg deal with its finances? The sewage sludge project, the Hamburg energy networks, which originally cost EUR 4.3 million instead of EUR 2.6 million, and the construction of the German Hafenmuseum, the expenses of which are estimated on half a billion euros, are just a few examples of a cost calculation. In an additional application, the parliament decided to use the new financial scope for investments in research, education and technology transfer - a decision that was supported by 91 MPs, but was viewed critically by 23.

The discussion about the debt brake is not only supported by the concern for the urban budget, but also by the continuing minor revenues, which are reinforced by the federal investment booster. Proponents of relaxing the debt brake argue that this would create necessary financial freedom for infrastructure projects and social claims. The critics, on the other hand, warn of the dangers of uncontrolled expenditure growth, the loss of budget discipline and the associated consequences for future generations, such as associationsbuero.de reported.

The path continues

At its core, it is about a basic question: How does Hamburg want to do business in the future? The existing challenges for the debt brake and the associated financial structure must be mastered. According to bpb.de , the debt brake was introduced to prevent excessive new debt, and has clear guidelines that enable the state in economically difficult times. The social, economic and political links are complex, and the outcome of this debate will have far -reaching consequences for the business location of Hamburg and public finances.

While the second reading is due to change the constitution on July 16, it remains to be seen how senators and citizens will react to these far -reaching changes. One thing is certain: an important course is imminent in Hamburg.

Details
OrtHamburg, Deutschland
Quellen