“We cannot be blackmailed”
Lindner against higher subsidies for Intel factory
2/9/2023 8:59 p.m
Intel is demanding 10 billion euros in funding for the construction of a chip factory near Magdeburg. Lindner reacted skeptically to the demands of the US group. However, the application would be examined, the finance minister said.
Federal Minister of Finance Christian Lindner is skeptical about higher funding for a planned chip factory of the US group Intel in Magdeburg. “We cannot be blackmailed,” said the FDP politician in a “Handelsblatt” interview. The previous government had already promised Intel 6.8 billion euros in funding. Allegedly, the framework conditions have changed – the federal government is looking at that.
“For me, there is also the question of meaning,” added Lindner. He wondered whether the chips manufactured in Magdeburg were really needed by German industry or whether they were going to the world market. “A US company that has made $8 billion in net income is not a natural recipient of taxpayer money. Questions are allowed.”
The federal government had said that Intel is now demanding 10 billion euros for the planned settlement instead of the promised 6.8 billion euros. From the point of view of the federal government, this is difficult to imagine. But the talks were still going on.