Cities within Hesse express dissatisfaction over the released census data - Fifteen cities in Hessia file lawsuits contesting census data outcomes
The cities of Kassel, Hanau, Fulda, Gießen, Marburg, and Langen, along with eleven other municipalities, have taken legal action against the Hessian State Statistical Office (HSL) over the results of the 2022 census. The dispute centres around concerns about the methodological correctness of the census and a perceived lack of transparency in the process.
The cities argue that the methodology used may have led to flawed population figures, which could impact funding, planning, and political representation associated with those numbers. They question the accuracy and reliability of the census data provided by the HSL and call for more disclosure about the methods and procedures used by the Statistical Office.
The State Statistical Office has defended its methodology, stating it as scientifically sound and confirmed by the constitutional court. However, the HSL has not publicly commented on the lawsuit or the cities' allegations.
The German Press Agency revealed the lawsuit following a survey among the five Hessian administrative courts. The discrepancies between the census data, as shown by the HSL, and local registration offices' records have financial implications, such as in state allocations.
As of now, no first court date has been set. The outcome of the lawsuit could potentially impact the population figures and funding for the affected cities, highlighting the importance of accurate census results in municipal budgeting and administrative decisions.
- The cities have expressed concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the census data provided by the HSL, questioning the methodology used and calling for policy-and-legislation changes in the operations of the HSL to ensure vocational training in statistical analysis and improve transparency.
- The general news about the legal action against the HSL over the 2022 census results unveiled potential implications for the cities' funding and political representation, with the cities arguing that vocational training in census data analysis could help prevent similar discrepancies in future.
