Thuringia’s Economics Minister is hoping for the state parliament – he needs money to organize state aid in view of the exploding energy prices for the economy.
Erfurt (dpa/th) – Economics Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee (SPD) also wants to support the Thuringian economy in the energy price crisis with money from the state coffers. After the proposal by the red-red-green government coalition to use the state’s Corona aid fund to relieve citizens and companies, Tiefensee proposes a “three-pillar program”, the Ministry of Economic Affairs announced on Thursday in Erfurt. This includes a support program for small and medium-sized businesses.
It is about a triad of government grants, loans and enabling future investments, said the SPD politician. “If the Thuringian state parliament provides the necessary funds, we can quickly start implementation.” As in the Corona crisis, the federal government is primarily responsible. However, the state should be ready to expand the group of companies to be supported “if the federal programs do not adequately reflect the conditions in Thuringia’s economy”.
However, the federal government would still have to design its programs in concrete terms. The coordination between the federal and state governments on the planned aid measures started on Thursday.
A check would be made to enable a “liquidity guarantee loan” via the Thuringian development bank and without additional financing from the state budget. He should offer low interest rates, long terms and reasonable repayment suspension for small and medium-sized businesses in trade and industry.
In addition, bridging loans would be considered for the period between the introduction of the federal relief programs and the actual payment of the money. The country chose a similar approach for the first emergency aid programs in the Corona crisis. In addition, Tiefensee pleaded for “a broad-based investment offensive by the federal government, flanked by the state”. This could help industry and trade to switch to CO2-neutral production. He brought up a “decarbonization bonus”.
The minister reiterated his call to the federal government to combat the crisis by increasing and stabilizing the supply of electricity and gas. If necessary, energy prices should also be reduced without European regulations by means of national electricity or gas price caps for consumers. “I’m afraid we’re running out of time to implement measures to curb energy prices.” Aid programs should be in place by the end of October at the latest, or better by the end of September.
