Cities and Municipalities Day: Municipalities Cry Out for Better Funding and Structural Change 🗣️💸🛠️
Municipalities Call for Improved Funding and Infrastructure Reform - Authorities emphasize the need for increased funding and structural improvements
Hey there! Today we're diving into some serious local politics, as municipalities in Saxony are asking for a financial and structural overhaul. Bert Wendsche, president of the Saxon Cities and Municipalities Association (SSG), echoes this sentiment after their meeting in Leipzig, stating, "We need a fresh wave of momentum!"
To achieve this, Wendsche believes that processes need streamlining, bureaucracy reduced, and municipal self-governance revitalized. By taking responsibility, they can create a sense of belonging! 🏡💥
Municipalities are crying out for trust
The Cities and Municipalities Association aims to reduce the burden of mandatory tasks on municipalities, cutting down on guidelines and standards as part of a comprehensive structural change. Leipzig's Mayor Burkhard Jung (SPD) agrees with this demand.
"We need a boost of trust," said Jung, expressing frustration that decisions often feel like they're being made without municipal input. He emphasized that although finances are tight, they are "forced by the people we represent" to come up with solutions collectively.
Wendsche rings the alarm for a structural funding deficit
Last year saw a staggering financing deficit of EUR 691 million - the highest since 1990, according to Wendsche. This isn't a blip, but a deep, ongoing deficit that's a reflection of the current mood in cities and communities.
The Cities and Municipalities Association wants municipalities to finance their capital and personnel costs from current revenues again. They're demanding additional funds from the 2027/2028 double budget from the Free State. Furthermore, they advocate for municipalities to participate in federal special assets based on their 80% share in public infrastructure. The money should be invested quickly and simply in municipal infrastructure in urban and rural areas.
Kretschmer: "We must face reality"
Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) seems open to compromise on some of the SSG's demands, such as offering flat rates for daycare costs and compensating for additional heating costs. However, he highlights the budget difficulties, with a EUR 2 billion shortage despite a record budget volume of EUR 25 billion.
To balance the budget, Emergency measures are being taken, such as a quarter of the costs of the Free State's personnel being saved. When allocating the special assets, Kretschmer notes that the major challenges of education, hospitals, fire protection, and digitization should receive priority. Instead of scattering the money, he suggests investing in comprehensive measures of at least EUR 100,000 to EUR 150,000.
While information on the current status of reform demands and funding issues in Saxony's municipalities is scarce, a few insights can be gleaned from broader developments in Germany and Saxony. For example, economic concerns and energy transition policies may indirectly affect municipal funding and reform efforts if resources are allocated towards these goals. Additionally, Germany's federal government is facing challenges, which could impact state-level policies and funding allocations, but details specific to Saxony's municipalities are lacking.
Stay tuned for more updates on this pressing issue! 🤙
- The Cities and Municipalities Association, in their call for a comprehensive structural change, aims to reduce the burden of mandatory tasks on municipalities, which falls under the umbrella of policy-and-legislation.
- Leipzig's Mayor Burkhard Jung, in his appeal for a boost of trust, expressed frustration that decisions often seem to be made without municipal input, highlighting a need for increased participation in politics.
