German coalition clashes over motorway funding in 2026 budget battle
A budget dispute has erupted between the German Transport Ministry and the Green Party over funding for motorway projects. The Greens claim the coalition is breaking its promises, while the ministry insists its 'maintenance before expansion' principle remains unchanged.
The Greens, led by budget spokesperson Paula Piechotta, accuse the coalition of abandoning its commitment to functional transport infrastructure. They argue that the government plans to cut funding for motorway and federal road maintenance. The ministry, however, rejects these claims, stating that it has secured additional funding for shovel-ready projects in the revised 2026 budget proposal.
At the heart of the dispute are proposed amendments to the 2026 draft budget, to be decided by the Budget Committee on Thursday. The ministry spokesperson dismissed the Greens' claims as misleading, emphasizing the need to consider both the core budget and the special infrastructure fund. The Bund der Steuerzahler (BdSt) and its president Reiner Holznagel criticize the coalition government for shifting funds intended for future investments to current expenses, breaking their own budget promises for 2026. The ministry, however, maintains that this fundamental approach remains unchanged.
The dispute centers on the coalition's application of the 'maintenance before expansion' principle. While the Green Party alleges that the coalition is undermining this principle, the ministry reaffirms its commitment, stating that maintenance takes priority over new construction. The final decision lies with the Budget Committee, which will vote on the 2026 draft budget on Thursday.
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