Pirna district office anticipates a large gap in the budget

The district of Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge is expecting a shortfall of 30 million euros in its budget for the coming year. "The underfunding of the municipal level can no longer be seen as short-term. Rather, a development can be observed here that is becoming permanent," said District Administrator Michael Geisler (CDU).

The citizens rightly expect an efficient administration and a solid infrastructure. "However, expenditure is higher than income, reserves are almost exhausted and the deficit continues to rise."

County and municipalities have to shoulder more and more tasks

County and municipalities have to take on more and more tasks, but are not reimbursed the costs by the federal and state governments to a sufficient extent, Geisler explained the dilemma. Transferring further tasks is no longer justifiable. Saxony urgently needs to contribute more intensively and structurally to the financing of the district's social costs. "My appeal is: it is necessary to return to a proper conservative financial policy."

Borrowing will also be necessary in the coming year

According to the district administration, the district will continue to rely on borrowing for investments and the use of cash loans in 2026 in order to meet all payment obligations.