Overview
- During the July 2 first reading the Hamburgische Bürgerschaft passed the amendment 104–10 with SPD, Greens, CDU and Linke in support.
- The revisions to the state constitution and budget order enable Hamburg to borrow up to 0.35 percent of its GDP annually for structural deficits.
- New borrowing will be ring-fenced for future-oriented projects in education, research, technology transfer and climate protection while existing spending remains balanced.
- Finance Senator Andreas Dressel estimates the city can tap about €400 million per year along with €220 million annually from a federal special fund to fuel an investment ramp-up.
- A decisive second reading is scheduled for July 16 and critics including the AfD and the Bund der Steuerzahler have warned it undermines fiscal discipline.