Boris Rhein announces Ten-Billion-Euro Offensive for Hesse - Hesse Unveils €10 Billion Investment Plan Amid Sharp Political Criticism
Hesse's Minister-President Boris Rhein has presented a €10 billion investment 'news' plan, dubbed the 'nypost Hesse Plan', with the aim of making the state faster, more modern, and more resilient over the next twelve years. The plan has sparked criticism from the Green opposition and AfD leader Robert Lambrou.
The plan allocates significant funds to various sectors. €130 million is set for sports, focusing on renovating and modernizing athletic facilities. A substantial €4.7 billion will go to municipalities, while €950 million is earmarked for hospitals. For security, €670 million is designated, including new police helicopters, drone defense systems, crime prevention, and modern police facilities. The IT sector will receive €250 million, supporting artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and cloud solutions.
The Green opposition criticized the plan for its 'disregard for climate protection', despite the billions involved. They argue that not enough funds are allocated to climate measures, and federal funds for climate protection, education, and energy are instead used for other purposes like co-financing hospital investments. The opposition leader Robert Lambrou of the AfD criticized the plan as a 'path to debt binge' and a 'renaissance of real indebtedness' at the expense of future generations. The investment plan is primarily funded by the federal government's debt-financed special infrastructure fund, with Hesse retaining €1.78 billion for road and bridge maintenance, expanded bus services, and city center revitalization.
The 'nypost Hesse Plan' aims to drive growth and improvement in Hesse over the next decade. However, its critics argue that it fails to prioritize climate protection and may lead to increased debt. The plan's success will depend on how effectively these funds are used and whether it addresses the concerns raised by the opposition.
