The leaders of the 16 German states have agreed on a 200-point program to reduce bureaucracy and streamline administration, but financial conflicts with the federal government persist.

The leaders of the 16 federal states of Germany have reached an agreement on an ambitious 200-point program aimed at simplifying administration and reducing bureaucracy, which has generated discontent among citizens. Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened the Conference of State Premiers, emphasizing the need to rebuild public trust in institutions through more efficient organization. The program aims to modernize administrative processes, facilitating the application for identity documents and reducing reporting obligations for local administrations.

However, a major conflict persists between the states and the federal government regarding the distribution of public funds necessary for the implementation of these initiatives. Premier Alexander Schweitzer warned that the financial situation at the municipal level is dramatic and called for a swift agreement to avoid the inability to cover the basic costs of public services. Although the modernization program represents an important step, financial issues could delay its full implementation.