Thüringen Targets State Oversight in Push for New Red-Tape Cuts
Thüringen is planning a second bureaucratic relief law to slash administrative burdens for local businesses and citizens, according to Minister President Mario Voigt. Speaking to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur in Erfurt, the CDU politician outlined plans for a risk-based approach to state oversight, targeting only necessary inspections to ease the pressure on public administration and affected parties.
The state cabinet will review the second draft legislation in September, with the goal of submitting it to the state parliament before the end of the year, according to Voigt’s timeline. This push follows the passage of Thüringen’s first Entlastungsgesetz, or relief law, which cleared the regional parliament at the end of June.
Targeting Handcraft Enterprises and Midsize Companies
The upcoming legislative package aims to cut red tape specifically for handcraft enterprises and medium-sized companies, accelerate approval processes, and modernize administrative digital infrastructure. Voigt emphasized a goal to streamline reporting and documentation duties while moving toward citizen- and business-friendly tax offices, though specific details on tax office changes remain under development.
Building Code Reforms From the First Relief Package
The first relief law enacted structural changes to the state’s building code, allowing master craftsmen and technicians to submit building applications for certain projects. It also updated verification checks and aligned procedures with digital communication standards.
Expanding Digital Services and Municipal Tools
To reduce in-person trips to local offices, the initial legislation raised value thresholds for smaller public contracts to enable leaner procedures. Additionally, the state government provides municipalities with complimentary digital core services for administrative tasks like housing allowance applications, residential registration updates, and severe disability passes.
Overcoming Past Legislative Hurdles in Parliament
However, the first legislative round faced limitations due to a lack of parliamentary majorities. Plans for an experimental regulation allowing municipalities to test deviations from certain active standards failed to pass the state legislature. Voigt’s administration aims to maintain momentum with the upcoming autumn cabinet review to secure further reforms.
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