Overview
- On ARD, the finance minister called Germany’s infrastructure “embarrassing” and urged faster deployment to deliver visible improvements.
- Of the €500 billion special fund, €100 billion goes to the Länder; his attempt to require 60% for municipalities was rejected, so Berlin will monitor spending and channel its share to local projects.
- The coalition is preparing an Infrastructure Future Act to accelerate approvals and has earmarked a record €166 billion for transport this term with maintenance prioritized over new builds.
- Economists warned the special fund could obscure regular budget deficits, with critics labeling it a fiscal “shunting yard.”
- Klingbeil said party leaders aim to finalize a savings package around the turn of the year to cover an expected ~€34 billion 2027 shortfall, signaling possible social‑policy trims and higher taxes on the wealthy.