Baths in Distress: BSW to Discuss Downsizing - Thuringia's Swimming Pools Face Closures Without €30M Annual Funding
Thuringia's swimming pools face a bleak future due to financial struggles, with €30 million needed annually to prevent closures. The state government's draft budget allocates a mere €1 million in emergency aid for 2026, leaving the future uncertain. The Thuringian State Parliament will discuss the issue in October 2025, with faction leaders including Björn Höcke (AfD), Andreas Bühl (CDU), and Dr. Frank Augsten (BSW) leading the talks.
BSW spokesperson Sigrid Hupach proposes restructuring, upgrading, or reducing the size of loss-making pools to tackle the crisis. Frank Augsten, BSW's state parliamentary leader, anticipates a lively debate on the future of Thuringia's pools. Christian Schaft, Left Party faction leader, advocates for changes in pool distribution and prioritizes swimming instruction, citing demographic shifts. Andreas Bühler, CDU parliamentary group leader, questions whether all pools can be saved and calls for a state-wide strategy to address the issue.
The fate of Thuringia's swimming pools hangs in the balance, with €30 million required annually to avert closures. The state government's draft budget allocates only €1 million in emergency aid for 2026, leaving the final amount uncertain. The Thuringian State Parliament will discuss the issue in October 2025, with faction leaders set to lead the talks and propose solutions to the financial crisis.
