The last Federal Council meeting before the summer break on Friday, July 10, dealt, among other things, with the controversial law to stabilize contribution rates in statutory health insurance. Minister-President Rehlinger requested the mediation committee be convened due to numerous defects in the current draft law. She also called for a swift reform of the route price system and once again advocated for a price cap on fuels. Justice Minister Petra Berg spoke in favor of introducing the "Only-Yes-means-Yes" rule in sexual criminal law. Saarland continued to advocate in the federal chamber for clubs and volunteer work as well as for relief for municipalities.
The controversial GKV reform by the federal government today achieved the necessary majority in the Bundestag after a lengthy debate. In the Bundesrat, the states then had the opportunity to call for a mediation committee to negotiate improvements to the draft law. Prime Minister Rehlinger submitted a corresponding motion in the plenary. There was consensus that profound reforms and solid financing of the statutory health insurance funds were needed, but the present draft did not do justice to the challenges of the healthcare system. Rehlinger particularly warned of the consequences for the provision situation regarding hospitals, general practitioners, nursing, and psychotherapy. “Reforms are necessary. However, they must not create existential problems for service providers,” explained Rehlinger and criticized: “Tariff increases can no longer be fully refinanced. We fought to ensure that medical specialist staff and nursing staff are adequately paid. The reform causes a financing gap that counteracts progress and puts hospitals in financial difficulties. Several hospitals face insolvency and fear having to close locations. Savings must not endanger hospital care.” The motion did not gain a majority in the Länder chamber.
Relief on Rail and Road
[advertisement placement="medium_rectangle" align="left"]In view of the ECJ ruling that deemed the capping of route price increases for local passenger rail transport (SPNV) incompatible with European law, financial and planning risks have arisen for the SPNV. Prime Minister Rehlinger therefore called for swift action:
- the full compensation of additional burdens for states and task carriers until the end of 2026
- the provision of additional regionalization funds for financing security and
- the initiation of a permanent reform of the pricing system.
Rehlinger referred to the clear commitment to rail in the coalition agreement in the Bundesrat and stated: “The ECJ ruling means a knockout for the future-proof financing of rail. The track price brake is undermined. The bitter consequence is that large-scale cancellations of services will occur. This means long-term restrictions in the offer, which urgently needs to be expanded for the transport transition to succeed. A Germany ticket in your pocket, but no train on the track, that would be a confession of failure.” The states approved the resolution without committee consultation.
Saarland takes the lead in protecting clubs and voluntary work
"Only-yes-means-yes"
Today, the Bundesrat also addressed a resolution proposal to modernize sexual criminal law. The goal is to introduce a consent-based criminal offense that no longer relies on the clearly opposing will of the victim, but on the absence of consent to the sexual act. Since victims are often unable to outwardly express their refusal due to so-called freeze reactions, this would provide them with better protection.
Justice Minister Berg explains: "Sexual self-determination is not exhausted by being allowed to say no – it means that a yes must actually be present. Those who are frozen with fear cannot defend themselves. This must no longer make a difference in our law. With the consent-based sexual criminal law, we ask the right question: Has the perpetrator ensured consent – instead of asking whether the victim visibly resisted enough." The initiative, which Saarland has joined, found a majority in the federal council.
Relief for Municipalities
The Federal Council has finally deliberated the law to relieve the states and municipalities. From the Saarland's perspective, the funds provided are not sufficient to effectively address the severe imbalance in municipal finances or to reduce legacy debt burdens. Of the planned 1 billion euros over the next four years, only 250 million will be distributed to the states whose municipalities are affected by legacy debts. 400 million will go to the donor states and 350 million to the East German states as part of assistance for pension benefits. Saarland will receive about 10 million euros annually for four years. It approves the law but simultaneously demands improvements from the federal government regarding municipal debt relief.
The Saarland has also achieved an amendment in the State and Municipal Infrastructure Financing Act (LuKIFG) that lifts the double funding prohibition for municipalities. The states and municipalities can use the funds under the LuKIFG to provide the necessary co-financing shares for other federal programs as well. As a result, the funding programs can be used much more efficiently and infrastructure projects can be implemented faster and more easily.
Price Cap for Gasoline Demanded Again
The Saarland has also submitted an application for the introduction of a flexible price cap on fuels for the second time. After the expiration of the temporary reduction of the energy tax on fuels, flexible caps on fuel prices could relieve consumers. However, the application did not find a majority in the plenary session.
Mine gas is recognized as a fuel
Not least, Saarland has succeeded in achieving the equal treatment of mine gas heat with renewable heat and thereby also in securing the inclusion of mine gas in the Building Modernization Act.
