Corona costs communities “up to $ 2 billion”; “Longing for normality breaks through”

Blümel: “So far, we have made available 15 billion euros in liquidity.

Short-time work is “a unique model in Europe” and has so far held its own in the corona crisis. 1.2 million people are currently on short-time work. Although demand is declining a bit, it is still at a high level, says Blümel. The funds for short-time work are therefore increased to 10 billion euros.

Situation is a challenging one – also for control, says Blümel and speaks of a “responsibility towards taxpayers”. There have been allegations of abuse – that’s why Blümel has turned on the financial police. 600 companies were checked. “Never had so much goodwill.”

Hardship fund, second phase, to support the smallest entrepreneurs affected by defaults, was increased to 2 billion euros.

Young entrepreneurs regulation: start-up relevant from 2018.

The guidelines will be finalized next week from the CoV aid funds (worth 15 billion).

Lending: Unfortunately there were more problems here than we would have liked. Tried to define how loans can be expedited more quickly.

Tax deferrals: volume of 4.5 billion euros.

After the phase of the health crisis, it will be a matter of making the economic comeback. Three focal points, tax relief, jobs through relief for the economy, jobs through climate investments.

–