“ADFR's moderately supportive of the new proposed budget. There are many things we like but we aren't thrilled by the fact that the surplus will be halved: a steady surplus is necessary to chip off debt and finally reach a zero-debt budget, which would mean no more interests on debt, and therefore less taxes for citizens. That said, we deem it reasonable to cut taxes for high-earners since we can afford it, whilst decreasing them further for low and medium earners' probably a bit too much, as they already pay significantly less than they would in any other country, but more money in our citizens' pockets means more money spent towards our industries. For these reasons, we're voting in favour of Left Forward's proposal, as we almost always, convincedly, do.”
A Better Budget for 2020
Proposed by Left Forward · Passed 10 Feb 2020
Rationale
As promised, we are addressing the budget surplus; now that the infrastructure projects have been completed, a significant surplus has emerged in the budget. As promised, we are now returning this surplus. On the one hand, we see an opportunity to lower taxes to reduce the tax burden on all income levels while simultaneously investing in important sectors such as education. A second, more far-reaching budget amendment is also planned. However, we must wait for the current amendment to take effect and closely monitor its impact.
Figures show the previous budget where they changed the new value.
Annual Spending
| Category | $ per capita | Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Welfare | $1,806 | $190.0bn | |
| Retirement | $3,565 | $375.0bn | |
| Healthcare | $2,852 $3,032 | $300.0bn $319.0bn | |
| Education | $1,806 $1,996 | $190.0bn $210.0bn | |
| Housing | $713 $760 | $75.0bn $80.0bn | |
| Justice, Police & Internal Security | $760 | $80.0bn | |
| Defence | $494 | $52.0bn | |
| Environment & Climate | $266 $352 | $28.0bn $37.0bn | |
| Business Support | $713 | $75.0bn | |
| Arts, Culture & Media | $285 $333 | $30.0bn $35.0bn | |
| Foreign Aid | $124 $190 | $13.0bn $20.0bn | |
| Roads & Highways | $356 $475 | $37.5bn $50.0bn | |
| Public Transport & Rail | $285 $380 | $30.0bn $40.0bn | |
| Energy Infrastructure | $214 $285 | $22.5bn $30.0bn | |
| Ports & Airports | $143 $190 | $15.0bn $20.0bn | |
| Total | $1,513.0bn $1,613.0bn |
Vote tally
Bundesrat
PassedFor: 37 / 43 filled seats (86.0%) — needs 50.0%
Against: 0 · Abstained: 0 · Not voted: 6
| Party | Seats | Vote | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance For Digital Freedom And Rights | 16 | Yes | ADFR's moderately supportive of the new proposed budget. There are many things we like but we aren't thrilled by the fact that the surplus will be halved: a steady surplus is necessary to chip off debt and finally reach a zero-debt budget, which would mean no more interests on debt, and therefore less taxes for citizens. That said, we deem it reasonable to cut taxes for high-earners since we can afford it, whilst decreasing them further for low and medium earners' probably a bit too much, as they already pay significantly less than they would in any other country, but more money in our citizens' pockets means more money spent towards our industries. For these reasons, we're voting in favour of Left Forward's proposal, as we almost always, convincedly, do. |
| Alliance23 | 8 | Not voted | |
| Competence And Freedom | 8 | Yes | This budget is definitely considered an improvement compared to previous proposals by us. We still disagree with several of the spending increases, but the bill also contains several measures we approve of. Given that this budget is only temporary, we will not obstruct it this time, but we would like to make it clear that further changes are necessary once the election concludes. |
| Homeland Alliance | 0 | Not voted | |
| Left Forward Proposer | 13 | Yes | No reason given |
| Saxenheim Workers’ Union | 0 | No | While targeted tax relief and investment can strengthen the nation, this proposal expands government spending far beyond what is necessary. Excessive funding for foreign aid, climate initiatives, and cultural programs weakens fiscal discipline and diverts resources from the core responsibilities of the state. Public finances should be managed with restraint, prioritising national security, economic strength, and essential infrastructure. |
Bundestag
PassedFor: 354 / 407 filled seats (87.0%) — needs 50.0%
Against: 0 · Abstained: 0 · Not voted: 53
| Party | Seats | Vote | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alliance For Digital Freedom And Rights | 151 | Yes | ADFR's moderately supportive of the new proposed budget. There are many things we like but we aren't thrilled by the fact that the surplus will be halved: a steady surplus is necessary to chip off debt and finally reach a zero-debt budget, which would mean no more interests on debt, and therefore less taxes for citizens. That said, we deem it reasonable to cut taxes for high-earners since we can afford it, whilst decreasing them further for low and medium earners' probably a bit too much, as they already pay significantly less than they would in any other country, but more money in our citizens' pockets means more money spent towards our industries. For these reasons, we're voting in favour of Left Forward's proposal, as we almost always, convincedly, do. |
| Alliance23 | 75 | Not voted | |
| Competence And Freedom | 77 | Yes | This budget is definitely considered an improvement compared to previous proposals by us. We still disagree with several of the spending increases, but the bill also contains several measures we approve of. Given that this budget is only temporary, we will not obstruct it this time, but we would like to make it clear that further changes are necessary once the election concludes. |
| Homeland Alliance | 0 | Not voted | |
| Left Forward Proposer | 126 | Yes | No reason given |
| Saxenheim Workers’ Union | 0 | No | While targeted tax relief and investment can strengthen the nation, this proposal expands government spending far beyond what is necessary. Excessive funding for foreign aid, climate initiatives, and cultural programs weakens fiscal discipline and diverts resources from the core responsibilities of the state. Public finances should be managed with restraint, prioritising national security, economic strength, and essential infrastructure. |
Voting record
Every vote must state a public reason. Most recent first.
“While targeted tax relief and investment can strengthen the nation, this proposal expands government spending far beyond what is necessary. Excessive funding for foreign aid, climate initiatives, and cultural programs weakens fiscal discipline and diverts resources from the core responsibilities of the state. Public finances should be managed with restraint, prioritising national security, economic strength, and essential infrastructure.”
“This budget is definitely considered an improvement compared to previous proposals by us. We still disagree with several of the spending increases, but the bill also contains several measures we approve of. Given that this budget is only temporary, we will not obstruct it this time, but we would like to make it clear that further changes are necessary once the election concludes.”