Saturday 15 January 2022
“This phase must end”
Lindner rejects new Corona aid
Federal Finance Minister Lindner sees little scope for new subsidies in the Corona crisis. You can’t solve everything with money in the long run, he says, referring to the difficult return to the debt brake next year.
Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner has expressed skepticism about new spending programs to fight the Corona crisis. “We got used to high government services during the pandemic. This phase must end,” said the FDP politician to the “Welt am Sonntag”.
This year, the scope is already tight. The situation will become even more challenging in 2023 due to the return to the debt brake, said the minister. “That’s why I see the offering of new bonuses, subsidies and programs critically.” You can’t solve everything with money in the long run.
Lindner answered a question about a bonus for corona vaccinations. “There are no considerations in the federal government,” he said. He thinks it is more urgent to seek people’s insight and to upgrade the infrastructure.
With a view to the economy, Lindner announced a Corona tax law that is to be launched soon. This should make it possible, for example, to offset current losses against previous tax gains. “This is important for many companies.” He will also propose extending the flat rate for working from home and giving more time for filing tax returns.