Unlike many other places in the world at the moment, Germany included, it can be said that Bavaria is financially relatively stable. "Bavaria is an oasis of stability in Europe and is quite dynamic," stated Finance Minister Söder (CSU) and Minister of Econmic Zeil (FDP) when they presented the state budget plan for the Free State of Bavaria for 2013 and 2014. For the 8th and 9th year in a row, Bavaria has balanced its state budget without any new deficits.
With a total budget of EUR46.5 billion in 2013 and EUR48 billion in 2014 and a sustained high rate of investment, the Bavarian government makes every effort to create the basis for which it can meet future challenges.
Although Bavaria decided to pay down its debt by 2030, the state plans to continue its investment program. Unlike many other countries, such as the United States, in Germany roughly two thirds of the state budget is unalterable. There are mandatory subsidies for social welfare and personnel costs for civil servants, who cannot be laid off, as well as interest payments for earlier debts. This is the main reason why Bavaria in particular and Germany in general demand and often command a policy of financial stability.
Stephan Rauhut is a reporter covering politics and a columnist for The Munich Eye. He is an expert in Bavarian and German politics.
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