Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner has announced a significant budget gap of around five billion euros for the 2025 federal budget.

In a recent interview, he emphasized the need for a constitutionally compliant budget and ruled out tax increases for the working middle class.

Lindner expressed concerns over the Social Democratic Party's (SPD) questioning of foundational decisions, particularly regarding the debt brake and tax policies.

He aims to address the budget shortfall through potential financial maneuvers, including converting subsidies for the railways into equity injections.

As the next federal election approaches, Lindner plans to focus on immigration and social policies, advocating for a system that encourages work over dependency on social benefits.

He reiterated the FDP's commitment to reducing bureaucracy and supporting citizens and businesses with tax relief.