The state government wants to cushion the consequences of the corona pandemic in Saxony-Anhalt with around two billion euros. But much of the money has not yet been called.
Magdeburg (dpa/sa) – According to the Ministry of Finance in Saxony-Anhalt, only around 20 percent of the funds have been spent as part of the Corona special fund. “We still have a manageable outflow, there are a total of around 400 million euros,” said Minister Michael Richter (CDU) of the German Press Agency. With the package decided in December, the coalition of CDU, SPD and FDP wants to cushion the consequences of the pandemic. The special fund of 1.997 billion euros includes 63 individual measures in the areas of health, education, business, society and culture.
“We have to get the money on the street. I expect my fellow ministers to take care of it. I have to say that very clearly, it wasn’t easy to bring about a balanced special fund,” said Richter.
256 million euros are earmarked for stimulating the economy and society, 975 million euros for the healthcare system and 719 million euros for digitization. For example, new technology is to be purchased at schools and universities. However, the state government also wants to push ahead with gigabit expansion, compensate for financial disadvantages in local public transport caused by corona and promote the tourism industry. Sports clubs and the municipalities should also be supported with grants.
Each measure must start in 2022. If that doesn’t work, according to the Ministry of Finance, it will be dropped without replacement and the money earmarked for it will be used for repayment. A measure can begin, for example, with the publication of a funding guideline, a building contract or a call for funds. The projects are scheduled to be completed by 2027.
