Saxony-Anhalt's Finance Minister Richter sees the caretaker government as responsible for the 2027 budget

Saxony-Anhalt's Finance Minister Michael Richter (CDU) sees the outgoing state government required to press ahead with the preparation of the 2027 budget under certain circumstances even after the AfD election victory. “That now depends on developments as to the extent to which there will be a prime ministerial election this year and thus a new state government,” said Richter to the German Press Agency.

If that is not the case, then the caretaker state government would have to take measures to draw up a budget, the finance minister said. “We are also required by the constitution to bring together a government draft budget.”

An alliance of the CDU, SPD and FDP currently governs Saxony-Anhalt. In the state elections at the beginning of September, the coalition did not get a majority; the AfD clearly won the election. She is currently in discussions with the BSW about possible collaboration.

Schulze wants clarity for clubs, associations and municipalities

According to the ministries' registrations, there is reportedly a gap of more than one billion euros for 2027, which must be closed during the budget discussions. Richter did not want to comment on this. “It is always difficult to give a number at this stage. But it will be a big challenge, including the time in which negotiations will have to take place,” said the CDU politician. “Even if a draft budget were to be negotiated this year, provisional budget management will begin in 2027.”

Provisional budget management takes effect if a budget is not passed in time before the start of the new year. It allows the government only limited spending – essentially to maintain administration and meet legal obligations – until the regular budget is approved.

Schulze: “Everyone needs clear statements.”

Prime Minister Sven Schulze (CDU) also recently emphasized in the ARD program “Maischberger” that the incumbent government would have to draw up a budget if the AfD did not elect a prime minister in November.

«The municipalities, the clubs, the associations - they all need clear statements. The budget is the most important thing for us for 2027,” said Schulze. AfD co-parliamentary group leader Ulrich Siegmund would like to be elected prime minister in December.