Germany's Scholz says he will keep social agenda in budget deal
- #Central
- #Eastern Europe
- #Central Banks
- #Central Bank Events
- #Conflicts
- #War
- #Peace
- #Debt
- #Fixed Income Markets
- #Diplomacy
- #Foreign Policy
- #Economic Indicators
- #European Union
- #Europe
- #Euro Zone
- #Government Finances
- #National Government Debt
- #Central Bank Interest Rates
- #Policy
- #Workforce
- #Monetary
- #Fiscal Policy
- #Policy Makers
- #government
- #Politics
- #Corporate
- #Market Regulation
- #International
- #National Security
- #Taxation
- #Elections
- #Voting
- #Western Europe
Germany's Scholz says he will keep social agenda in budget deal
Germany's coalition government will stick to its social agenda and reconcile that with military aid to Ukraine in budget talks due to wrap up next month, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in a television interview on Sunday.
"We will defend the welfare state and develop it further," the head of Europe's largest economy told public broadcaster ARD.
Germany's three-way coalition is in negotiations that Scholz has said will be completed by July 3, ahead of a NATO summit on July 9.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Zambia Roundup: Election irregularities, Kafwaya death probe and ZCCM-IH’s K4.92bn loss
"I am confident that we will be able to get the budget on its way in July," he said during an ARD summer interview series with politicians.
The left-leaning Social Democrats (SPD), pro-business liberals (FDP) and ecologist Greens are haggling over issues such as money for welfare benefits and new housing, while adhering to self-imposed rules that limit the amount of state borrowing.
Asked whether support for Ukraine was in question given the tight domestic budget situation, Scholz said: "There is no alternative, in my view, to change any of that."
"I have always advocated prudence and that we use every opportunity to make a peaceful development possible, that does not involve Ukraine's capitulation."
Scholz also said there would be a tougher stance against people on social benefits that refused to take on work and those receiving benefits but working illegally on the side.
Allegations that their numbers are growing have been part of populists' criticism of the government.
European Parliament elections earlier this month saw the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) score 16% in second place behind the opposition Christian Democrats, while support for Scholz's SPD fell to 13.9%, its worst result in postwar Germany.
"We must ensure that nobody, who can work, doesn't work," Scholz said.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Poland's wealth boom leaves old money behind
This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.
