Linnemann Proposes Cuts to Bureaucracy: One in Ten Civil Service Positions at Risk

As coalition negotiations between the CDU/CSU and SPD are set to commence, Carsten Linnemann, the CDU General Secretary, has outlined a significant proposal aimed at reducing the size of the civil service within government ministries. He advocates for the elimination of ten percent of civil service positions, emphasizing the need for structural reforms to accompany any increase in government spending.

Linnemann expressed that if the government intends to borrow more funds, it should demonstrate fiscal responsibility by streamlining its operations. He highlighted the necessity for the future coalition to consider these cuts by approximately 2029, suggesting that such reductions are feasible within a single legislative term.

"The public expects us to lead by example," Linnemann stated, pointing out that the current bureaucratic structure has grown excessively large. He believes that reducing the number of government representatives could also be a part of these reforms, suggesting that the current number of 66 is excessive.

In addition to personnel cuts, Linnemann has called for urgent reforms in the citizen's basic income system and the healthcare sector. He criticized the inefficiencies in the current system, citing the occurrence of numerous unnecessary hospitalizations for procedures that could be performed ambulatory in other countries, leading to significant financial waste.

The negotiations between the CDU/CSU and SPD have already seen both parties reach an agreement on a comprehensive financial plan during their exploratory discussions. This plan includes provisions to exempt defense spending that exceeds one percent of the nation's economic output from fiscal constraints, along with the establishment of a special fund amounting to 500 billion euros for infrastructure investments.

The CDU has indicated that reforms to the basic income are a priority, alongside a commitment to reducing bureaucracy not only within government ministries but also in the Bundestag administration by at least ten percent.

As the coalition talks unfold, the focus will be on how these proposed reforms will be received and negotiated among the various parties involved.