Budget debate - Klepsch no longer sees any savings potential

In the opinion of Culture Minister Barbara Klepsch (CDU), the potential for savings in the cultural budget has been exhausted with the Free State's draft double budget for 2025/2026. "In my area, I don't see any scope for further reductions without institutions being closed," she told the German Press Agency.

In view of the upcoming debate in the state parliament, she warned against pitting institutions against each other. The preservation of Saxony's cultural landscape has priority despite all the difficulties.

Music schools can count on their current budget

In view of tight budgets, "making unprecedented savings" was also a challenge for her institution. "Our aim was to cut as little as possible and set priorities," said Klepsch. This meant that the cultural area funds were spared, and the 104 million euros have also been budgeted for 2025 and 2026. "And the regions, institutions and local partners can also count on this." The music schools are also anchored with the current budget of 7.87 million euros. "For us, this is the basis for preserving Saxony's musical heritage."

Saxony finances culture in the municipalities primarily via the nationwide unique Cultural Areas Act. The eight cultural areas decide on the funding of institutions and projects on their own responsibility. The Free State supports the municipalities in financing culture, while the cultural areas levy a contribution.

Klepsch: Cultural Pact also at the same level as 2024

At 8.76 million euros, the funds of the so-called Cultural Pact for the promotion of some theaters and orchestras are also back at the same level as in 2024, Klepsch said. This will compensate for certain differences in salaries between various institutions. In view of increased operating, personnel and material costs, nine theaters received a total of five million euros extra in 2023 and 2024. This rescue package is now missing. "This is a major problem for the theaters in view of further cost increases."

The subsidy for the memorial foundation has been cut: to 90 percent and only this year. According to Klepsch, it will be 100 percent again in 2026, "knowing full well that the foundation's development concept provides for a significant increase in staff." There are cuts of 5 to 15 percent at the state cultural associations, which often means fewer projects are possible.

Klepsch defends herself against criticism

"We have not applied the red pencil across the board," Klepsch defended herself against criticism. State-owned companies were not spared either. "There is a freeze on the budget for both personnel and material costs." This means that vacant positions and all project positions will not be filled.

"In view of the tight financial situation, pipe dreams should now be put on hold," she warned in the face of loud criticism and desires for common sense before the parliamentary debate on money. 2025/2026 is a transitional budget. After that, "we are counting on the economy developing positively again and tax revenues increasing."