BSW Lawmaker's Support for Budget Remains Uncertain Ahead of Vote

In less than two weeks, the Brandenburg state budget is set to be voted on in the regional parliament, with the support of the ruling SPD/BSW coalition hanging in the balance. Notably, BSW lawmaker Sven Hornauf has left his position on the budget unclear, citing conditions related to proposed changes in education and property tax.

Hornauf, who has previously deviated from the coalition's stance, expressed that his approval of the double budget for this year and next is contingent upon amendments to the education package and the reform of the property tax. He has voiced strong opposition to the education package, labeling it as detrimental to educational quality. He remarked that if the proposed measures remain unchanged, he will not support the budget.

The SPD and BSW coalition holds a slender majority in the parliament with 46 out of 88 seats, which translates to a two-vote margin. The double budget is expected to be deliberated on June 20 and includes proposed budget cuts, although some of these cuts have been rescinded in recent discussions.

Hornauf specifically criticizes plans to increase teaching hours for educators, suggesting that this move is primarily a cost-cutting measure. He argues that while teachers are expected to take on additional responsibilities, other critical assessments, such as final exams at the end of the 10th grade in gymnasiums and evaluations for elementary schools, may be eliminated. Hornauf described these proposals as "educational nonsense" and emphasized the coalition's commitment to improving educational standards.

Regarding the property tax reform, Hornauf has raised concerns that the proposed changes may lead to significant tax increases for homeowners in certain areas. He advocates for municipalities to have the flexibility to apply differentiated tax rates for commercial and residential properties. Due to the inability to advance his own proposal, he supported a similar motion put forth by the opposition AfD party in May.

Additionally, fellow BSW member Reinhard Simon abstained from voting on related legislation, further complicating the coalition's position. Hornauf's voting behavior has previously sparked controversy, as he abstained during a vote on the interior ministry's budget, resulting in the proposal not achieving a majority in the committee. Following this, he faced removal from all parliamentary committees, and discussions of potential expulsion from his party have surfaced. Nevertheless, he currently participates in the Enquete Commission on public transportation.

Despite Hornauf's wavering support, the leaders of the SPD and BSW factions remain optimistic about securing the necessary votes for the budget's passage. Björn Lüttmann, the SPD faction leader, conveyed confidence that all members of his faction would endorse the budget, while BSW faction leader Niels-Olaf Lüders expressed a belief that recent evaluations regarding the property tax vote provided a solid foundation for cooperation.

The uncertainty surrounding Hornauf's final decision indicates ongoing negotiations within the coalition, with discussions reportedly progressing. How this situation unfolds could significantly impact the budget vote and the future of the coalition's legislative agenda.