Markus Söder, Chairman of the CSU and Minister-President of Bavaria, has advanced a comprehensive fiscal consolidation proposal aimed at addressing ongoing economic pressures within the federal budget. The initiative targets key areas of public expenditure, including international development assistance, energy subsidies, social welfare provisions, and migration policy, with projected savings amounting to several billion euros.

According to media accounts, Söder advocated for the abolition of the citizens’-money system and a substantial reduction in housing subsidies, framing these measures as necessary steps toward safeguarding economic stability. He reportedly argued that individuals capable of employment should be obligated to participate in the labor market, positioning this as a fundamental reform of welfare policy.

In the energy sector, Söder called for significant cutbacks in funding allocated under the Building Energy Efficiency Programme (BEG), particularly in relation to subsidies for heat pump installations. Notably, the federal government had previously earmarked 16.7 billion euros for this program, with a considerable share directed toward heat pump deployment.

Migration policy also featured prominently in Söder’s proposal. Reports indicate that he identified potential savings in benefits provided to asylum seekers, especially those subject to deportation orders without tolerated status. Furthermore, he suggested that development aid should be withheld from countries that fail to cooperate in the repatriation of their nationals.