2024-07-03 18:15:34
Finance Minister Lidner doubts the sustainability of the price of the Deutschlandticket. Such social benefits are inextricably linked to economic strength.
Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) is linking Deutsche Bahn’s modernization measures to a higher price for the so-called Deutschlandticket. The FDP politician told the “Welt am Sonntag”: “At some point, politicians will have to decide whether we want to invest in rail or whether the price should remain at 49 euros.” In principle, he is in favor of the nationwide ticket and the uniform tariff, but the price must be adjusted.
The debate about higher ticket prices is also part of current political debates in the traffic light coalition about the federal budget for 2025. Lindner rejects a reform of the constitutionally anchored debt brake and instead advocates stricter prioritization of government spending. This is causing tension within the coalition, as both the SPD and the Greens are in favor of a weakening of the debt brake.
There have been discussions about the price of the Deutschlandticket in particular for some time – so far, the affordable offer has been subsidized by the federal and state governments with 1.5 billion euros each year. However, a price guarantee only applies for 2024; the price could therefore rise from 2025.
But the restructuring of Deutsche Bahn will also require billions in federal investment. According to Lindner, however, there is enough money to renew the railway infrastructure and also the education sector. “We can invest more in the dilapidated infrastructure, as long as we don’t want to spend more and more elsewhere,” said the finance minister in an interview with “Welt am Sonntag”. Social spending in particular – such as the citizen’s allowance – must therefore be curbed. It will only be possible to increase this again “until we have achieved more growth again,” said Lindner.