SZ in the Morning: Daily News Overview for the Busy
Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil faces severe criticism from economists over alleged budget manipulation, with a significant portion of new debts reportedly not being used for infrastructure as intended.
Federal Politics: Ifo Institute: 95 Percent of Special Fund Misused in 2025
A report from the Ifo Institute reveals that 95 percent of the special fund allocated by the German government in 2025 was misappropriated for purposes other than intended, undermining economic growth initiatives.
Germany Live Blog: Bilger: No Misuse of Special Funds
Steffen Bilger from the CDU defends the government's allocation of special funds against claims of misuse by the Ifo Institute.
Debt of the State: 95 Percent of Special Funds Misused
A report indicates that 95% of a 500 billion euro debt package intended for infrastructure modernization by the German government has been misused according to calculations from the Ifo Institute.
SZ in the Evening: News from March 12, 2026
Iran's new supreme leader vows revenge for war casualties and threatens to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, while the Ifo Institute warns that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could heavily impact the German economy.
Consequences of the Iran War: Economists forecast lower growth
Due to rising energy prices stemming from the Iran war, economists have reduced their growth forecast for Germany this year.
Survey: Companies Plan to Cut More Jobs Despite Improved Economic Conditions
Despite positive economic signals, companies in Germany are increasingly planning job cuts, as indicated by a recent survey by the Ifo Institute in Munich.
Debate on Working Hours: "Leisure Cannot Be Taxed."
Clemens Fuest, president of the Ifo Institute, discusses the implications of working hours on taxation and the importance of older workers in the German labor market.
Ifo Business Climate: "First Signals of Improvement"
The business climate in Germany is improving, suggesting a potential economic recovery this year according to the Ifo Business Climate Index.
Demographic crisis and anemic growth shake Germany's pension system
Germany's population is projected to shrink by nearly 5% within 25 years, raising concerns about the sustainability of its pension system and overall economic health.
Ifo Chief Fuest: 'Anyone who wants to lower taxes must cut spending'
Ifo president Clemens Fuest argues that lowering income taxes without reducing government spending is unfeasible, warning of potential repercussions including a tax increase to cover costs.
Ifo Chief Fuest: "Those who want to lower taxes must cut spending"
Ifo President Clemens Fuest argues that tax cuts are not feasible without corresponding reductions in government spending, as highlighted in his recent interview regarding the potential lowering of income tax in Germany.
Germany's Corporations Under Pressure – Ifo President Calls for Comprehensive Reforms for More Growth
Germany's leading corporations are facing declining profits and stagnant new hires, prompting Ifo President Clemens Fuest to call for comprehensive reforms.