Saxony-Anhalt Legislature to Vote on Two-Year Budget
On Thursday, the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt will vote on the budget for the next two years. The budget is set at €15.1 billion for 2025 and €15.6 billion for 2026. As part of the budget, the government has proposed a temporary hiring freeze in the public sector.
Coalition Blocks Cuts to Key Services
During parliamentary debates, the governing coalition of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Social Democratic Party (SPD), and Free Democratic Party (FDP) successfully prevented cuts to the traffic safety organization Verkehrswacht and to libraries. Funding for independent schools and the victim assistance fund was also increased.
Budget Increases Target Key Areas
The budget includes significant increases in funding for several key areas, including:
- Education: Funding for independent schools will be increased to €31.5 million in 2025 and €34 million in 2026.
- Victim Assistance: The victim assistance fund will receive an additional €1 million in each of the next two years, bringing the total funding to €3 million annually.
- Social Services: Funding for social services will be increased by €10 million in 2025 and €15 million in 2026.
- Culture: Funding for cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and orchestras, will be increased by €5 million in 2025 and €6 million in 2026.
Hiring Freeze Raises Concerns
The proposed hiring freeze in the public sector has raised concerns among unions and opposition parties. The freeze would apply to all new hires, except in essential areas such as healthcare and education. Critics argue that the freeze will hinder the government’s ability to provide adequate services to the public.
Opposition Calls for More Investment
Opposition parties have criticized the budget for not providing enough investment in key areas, such as infrastructure, renewable energy, and education. They have called for the government to reconsider the hiring freeze and to increase funding for these priorities.
Budget Debate to Continue
The budget debate is expected to continue for several hours on Thursday. The final vote on the budget is scheduled for later in the day. The outcome of the vote will determine the government’s financial priorities for the next two years.
