Use financial flexibility responsibly – strengthen investments, ensure budget stability

The Hamburg parliament has dealt with the consequences of the reform of the debt brake decided at the federal level. The SPD, CDU and GREENS factions submitted a corresponding proposal. The background is a change in the Basic Law that allows the federal and state governments to take out additional loans to finance, among other things, defense and infrastructure investments. This will also give the federal states limited additional scope for debt in the future. The resolution calls on the Senate to use these new financial opportunities responsibly. The focus is on using the additional credit flexibility primarily for long-term investments, for example in science, education, research and infrastructure. At the same time, the principles of sound financial management should be adhered to, in particular the goal of a balanced budget. In addition, the Senate should involve the Budget Committee in planning at an early stage and report regularly on the use of funds and the further design of the new regulations. The motion was approved with 91 votes in favor and 23 against. There were no abstentions.

Vote breakdown