The German Finance Minister stated the critical need for economic growth

German Finance Minister Joerg Kukis stated the critical need for the country to embark on the path of economic growth, noting the importance of eliminating the structural weaknesses of the economy. This has become especially relevant after the recent downward revision of Germany's growth forecasts by the International Monetary Fund. 

Kukis also touched upon the fiscal rule, the «debt brake,» which limits the structural deficit of the federal budget to 0.35% of GDP. In his opinion, some reforms of this mechanism are necessary to meet the needs for infrastructure costs: modernization of roads, bridges, railway network, education system, as well as the introduction of 5G and 6G technologies. At the same time, the minister noted that the bulk of investments should come from the private sector.

Kukis took over in November, replacing Christian Lindner, who was ousted by Chancellor Olaf Scholz after lengthy budget disagreements. This step ended the existence of the ruling coalition, which forced the postponement of the German elections to February 23.