Political Campaign Indulgence: Electoral Gifts Favored for Select Over National Wealth Enhancement for All During 100 Days of Merz

In the first 100 days of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government, Germany has witnessed a series of controversial decisions that have raised concerns about the nation's future. The Merz administration's path, critics argue, is misguided, expensive, climate-damaging, and economically dangerous.

The federal government's decision to misappropriate 3.4 billion euros from the Climate and Transformation Fund to subsidize gas prices has been a contentious issue. This move, which breaks the promise made by Merz and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil to use off-budget "special funds" for additional investments, has led to a delay in the renovation of bridges, schools, swimming pools, new buses, and municipal heating and energy networks.

Katherina Reiche, the Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, is at the centre of these controversies. Her commitment to fossil fuel infrastructure is leading the country towards a gas-based planned economy, a stark contrast to the ambitious modernization of Germany that was scrapped within the first 100 days of her government. Reiche is also questioning climate targets, despite the urgent need for investment in climate adaptation, prevention, and protection.

Reiche's administration is cutting subsidies for private solar installations, a move that undermines the energy transition initiated under Robert Habeck. The state-coordinated construction of 20 gigawatts of new gas-fired power plants will push up electricity prices, further exacerbating the issue.

The draft budget, meanwhile, features record levels of investment and borrowing, with short-term interests taking precedence over the prosperity, health, and safety of all. The universal electricity tax cut promised in the coalition agreement has been shelved, and the Deutschlandticket, a Germany-wide public transport travelcard, will become more expensive.

Moreover, the draft budget includes tricks to conceal the use of off-budget funds for election gifts, such as the mother's pension and VAT relief for the food services sector. The Merz government has only allocated an additional €5 billion for road and railway infrastructure projects, instead of the promised €300 billion from the special fund. No additional rail projects will be implemented, and revenue from the truck toll will now flow exclusively into roads.

Instead of investing in schools, railways, and urban redevelopment, off-budget funds are being used for these election gifts. The economic State Secretary, who questions the implementation of climate protection goals and agrees to halving funds for climate measures such as forest structuring, wet meadows, and ecosystem restoration, remains unnamed.

In conclusion, the first 100 days of Merz's government have been marked by broken promises and coalition chaos. Critics argue that Merz is squandering a unique opportunity to give the country a sustainable future.

Political Campaign Indulgence: Electoral Gifts Favored for Select Over National Wealth Enhancement for All During 100 Days of Merz