Berlin’s Finance Senator Daniel Wesener (Greens) (archive photo) Photo: dpa picture radio
From Hildburg Bruns
The evaluation of the 2022 census is still ongoing – but Berlin’s Senator for Finance Daniel Wesener (46, Greens) is already trembling before the result. “It carries a risk,” he said at the IHK entrepreneurs’ breakfast.
Because the 2011 census had shrunk the official population by 180,000. As a result, the rich federal states had to transfer 470 million euros less per year to the Spree.
Wesener calls for reserves to be formed this time as a precaution. Because only at first glance does Berlin look good financially: the bottom line at the end of the first half of the year was 2.3 billion more income than expenditure. But Wesener warns: “This is not an excess. We are well advised not to fritter away this money now.”
The 9-euro transition ticket targeted by the SPD alone would mean a 300 million subsidy to the BVG and S-Bahn for Berlin from October to December.
Wesener’s concerns:
Staff: For the now 130,000 employees, more than ten billion euros a year are due, a third of the budget. “After catching up, we will now have to straighten the curve,” said Wesener.
Investments: After 650 million euros in 2021, a billion euros will be cracked for the first time in school construction in the current year. Nevertheless, Wesener says: “We want to be honest with the projects: Which ones are fully funded and feasible?”
Wesener demanded: “We have to get away from the announcement policy. It depends on what is necessary and feasible. Because it’s not about getting through one winter, it’s probably about several winters.”