“Why such an expensive new building?”: Lindner criticizes Scholz and his construction plans for the Chancellery

In the budget dispute of the traffic light coalition, Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner demanded that “in the area of ​​government in the narrower sense” positions and other projects be put to the test.

As an example, he cited a construction project in Berlin: “I believe that in times of more home office and location-flexible work, a new building costing at least 800 million euros next to the Chancellery is unnecessary,” said the FDP chairman on Wednesday evening in the ARD program “Maischberger “.

Lindner was obviously referring to the planned expansion of the Chancellery. According to information from government circles in September, 777 million euros were estimated for this.

According to Lindner, there is now 65 percent location-flexible working in the Ministry of Finance, “that means colleagues can work from home or on the go, and they also use it”.

But it also follows that office space can be used differently and limited. “So why such an expensive new building?” said Lindner.

Referring to Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), he added: “I think he will be displeased that I have now proposed this here. But that’s my job.”

Naming the building theme amidst the current budget dispute

The construction project in the center of Berlin is highly controversial. The reason for sticking to the project started under Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) is an acute lack of space. The construction work is already being prepared and is scheduled to begin in 2023.

Lindner originally wanted to present key figures for the 2024 budget on Wednesday. However, he canceled the appointment because he could not agree with his colleagues.

The specialist ministers had announced additional requests of around 70 billion euros, for which the finance minister sees no leeway if the debt brake is adhered to and tax increases are avoided. (dpa)

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