As of: October 9th, 2024 5:49 a.m
The economy in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has reacted angrily to the demands for reimbursement of state Corona emergency aid. In the opinion of Employer President Lars Schwarz, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the associated state development institute are taking an excessive and too rigorous approach.
The deadline expired on September 30th, just over a week ago: companies that received emergency aid due to the Corona lockdown after March 2020 had to prove by this date that they needed the support – around 10,000 companies had not yet done so did. They had received an estimated 90 million euros. Economics Minister Reinhard Meyer (SPD) announced shortly before the deadline that the country would get the money back. The country gave the companies a lot of time, but in the end it’s all about taxpayers’ money.
Reclaim notices are received
The country made the announcement come true. The companies are now receiving notices of repayment from the state. Employer President Schwarz criticizes that the state funding institute sent the letters before the deadline and also didn’t even wait to see whether further explanations were received. In addition, the interest charged on the reclaim amount is too high. For example, for 9,000 euros, 1,500 euros would be required. In an already tense economic situation, this is “not very business-friendly,” said Schwarz.
Schwarz advises contradiction
“That can’t be right,” said Schwarz. In the pandemic year of 2020, the country promised that the aid would be paid out easily. They were intended as compensation for a forced closure ordered by the state. Now he can only advise companies to file an objection, even if this will keep the authorities “permanently employed”. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has not yet responded to a request, but has assured a statement. According to NDR information, the ministry is apparently surprised at the number of companies that want to take action against the reclaim.
More information
Economics Minister Meyer spoke of a “final warning shot” – affected companies must submit important documents by September 30th. more
The state funding institute is demanding larger amounts of Corona aid back from companies. Those affected are disappointed. more
For many they were a lifeline during the pandemic. The federal and state governments are now demanding some or even all of the emergency aid back. more
Some companies received excessive emergency aid during the corona pandemic. For many, repayment is now a problem. more
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North Magazine | Oct 9, 2024 | 06:00 am
