Praise and criticism for Saxony's 2025/2026 double budget
Saxony must save money. This is also evident in the state's current budget. It sets priorities in some areas, which also leads to disappointment in others.
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Saxony's state parliament adopts 2025/2026 double budget
The time of uncertainty is over in Saxony: After a long back and forth, the Free State now has a budget for this year and next. This would not have been possible without votes from the opposition.
Saxon state parliament discusses double budget
"Habemus budget" was the headline in the Saxon media when the agreement for the double budget was finalized. In fact, the CDU, SPD, Greens and Left Party created white smoke. Now the budget is ready to be voted on.
SSG: Double budget hardly relieves municipalities
The criticism comes even before the resolution is passed. The cities and municipalities consider their financial resources to be inadequate. The state's new double budget will not change this, they say.
State parliament debates controversial budget
There is only one thing that unites the parliamentary groups in the Saxon state parliament during the budget debate: concern for the future. Otherwise, they are engaged in a verbal exchange of blows.
Kretschmer prepares Saxony for difficult times
Since the government no longer has its own majority, a different tone has prevailed in the Saxon state parliament. This is also evident in the debate on the state's double budget.
Left-wing activists disrupt state parliament session with protest action
Protest against the imprisonment of non-binary Maja T. in Hungary: The Saxon state parliament has to interrupt its session because the visitors' gallery suddenly gets loud.
State parliament votes unanimously in favor of Left Party motion
What once seemed unthinkable in Saxony is now possible in times of a minority coalition. The CDU also agrees to a motion by the Left Party. It is about a demand that the CDU/CSU has always had.
Criticism from Saxony of Czech plans for nuclear power plant
Nuclear power heats things up. This also became clear during a debate in the Saxon state parliament. The occasion was plans from the neighboring Czech Republic.
Double budget polarizes parliamentary groups in the state parliament
Saxony is to receive a budget for the years 2025 and 2026 this week. It is already clear that the controversial debate about the direction of the Free State will continue.
Saxony's Court of Audit urges reform of the state budget
When the Court of Audit presents its annual reports, it is sometimes reminiscent of Groundhog Day. But why is that?
Court of Auditors with annual report - Personnel costs a permanent problem
The Saxony State Court of Audit audits the finances of the state administration. Time and again, it finds examples of tax money being wasted or used inefficiently.
Seven more Saxon schools receive funding
New heating systems, modern workshops, digital specialist cabinets - seven vocational schools in structurally weak regions of Saxony receive funding from the EU and the Free State.
Criticism from Saxony of the draft law on special assets
The German government wants to accelerate investments in the future with a credit-financed special fund. Even before the cabinet decision, there is criticism of the corresponding bill.
Tax offices in Saxony rather slow compared to other states
Once the tax return has been completed, people in Saxony have to be patient. Processing takes longer in the Free State than in many other federal states.
Special assets: Kretschmer calls for municipalities to have a say
Local authorities in Germany are lacking billions of euros. In the view of the Saxon Minister President, town hall leaders should also be allowed to make decisions independently of funding guidelines.
BSW criticizes handling of reclaims of corona aid
During the coronavirus pandemic, the state granted companies emergency aid. The companies must provide proof of need. Otherwise, repayments are due. This is causing criticism.
Opposition puts pressure on the budget with motions
The CDU-SPD minority coalition wants to adopt the double budget for 2025/2026 in June. This will not succeed without the opposition. And they are driving the price up.
Savings plans: social associations warn of long-term consequences
In its draft budget, the government has also made cuts in the social sector. If the planned cuts go ahead, there is a risk that established structures will disappear, warn representatives.
Artful protest in front of the state parliament against cuts
The square in front of the state parliament becomes a stage for musicians, singers and actors from Saxon theaters. Their serenade to the politicians is intended to shake up the MPs.
Tax estimate: plus for the state, minus for municipalities
Saxony's government has already factored tax forecasts into its draft budget. That is why the tax estimate figures for Saxony are not so bad. The reactions vary.
Tax estimate: plus for the state, minus for municipalities
Saxony's government has already factored tax development forecasts into the draft double budget. That is why the tax estimate figures for Saxony are not so bad.
Greens: Cultural cuts endanger diversity in the Free State
Saxony's government is planning drastic cuts to cultural funding. For many cultural workers, nothing less than their livelihood is at stake.
Theater and orchestra want to protest against cuts
Many people in Saxony are currently mobilizing against cuts in the state's double budget for 2025 and 2026. Time is of the essence. The budget is due to be passed in June.
Tax estimate: Saxony wants to avoid burden for municipalities
Just a few years ago, every tax estimate exceeded the previous one by far. But those days are over. Lower revenues than expected must now be expected.
Greens with 375 proposed amendments for the double budget
The Left Party and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance have already presented their plans for changes to the Saxon government's draft budget. The proposals from the Greens are also quite something.
The Left announces a plethora of amendments to the budget
The Saxon double budget for 2025/2026 is scheduled to be passed by the state parliament in June. The coalition needs votes from the opposition for this. But they are making many demands.
BSW in Saxony presents package for change
The Sahra Wagenknecht alliance in Saxony only wants to agree to the double budget if the minority government makes significant changes. At its core, the BSW is concerned with investments.
Budget: SPD insists on the possibility of new debt
The budget negotiations are considered difficult due to the lack of a majority in the governing coalition. The SPD parliamentary group leader makes it clear where his group stands on new loans.
Dispute over population figures: some cities are worried about losing a lot of money
How many people live in Leipzig? There is a gap of 21,800 between the city's figures and those of the State Statistical Office. This is also the case for other municipalities. They fear losing a lot of money.
Greens urge reform of financial equalization with municipalities
Saxony's municipalities are facing financial difficulties. The best way to solve the problem is controversial. There is only agreement that something needs to be done.
Draft budget: local authorities demand more money from the state
The Saxon Association of Towns and Municipalities sees a financial shortfall of 500 billion euros per year for local authorities.
Renewed debate on Saxon generation fund
The Saxon generation fund is intended to cushion the state's future pension burdens for its civil servants. The government now wants to reduce the allocations in order to plug holes in the budget.
Renewed debate on Saxon generation fund
The Saxon generation fund is intended to cushion the state's future pension burdens for its civil servants. The government now wants to reduce the allocations in order to plug holes in the budget.
Renewed debate on Saxon generation fund
The Saxon generation fund is intended to cushion the state's future pension burdens for its civil servants. The government now wants to reduce the allocations in order to plug holes in the budget.
CDU parliamentary group leader is against new debt
The Saxon state parliament is due to pass a new double budget by the summer break. However, the coalition of CDU and SPD does not have a majority - and there is a debate about new debt.
Left party warns against planned cuts to consumer protection
The state government wants to cut millions from consumer protection and insolvency advice. The Left Party is sounding the alarm: for some institutions, their very existence is at stake.
German Association of Towns and Municipalities criticizes draft budget
The municipalities in Saxony are complaining about empty coffers and are also looking to the state. For the first time in a long time, they no longer want to support the municipal financial equalization scheme.
Finance Minister prepares Saxony for difficult times
Even a finance minister does not have a heart of stone, says Saxony's head of department Christian Piwarz. In view of the cash situation, however, painful decisions had to be made in the draft budget.
Saxony closes 2024 budget with surplus
The finance minister speaks of a precision landing. Despite falling tax revenues and rising personnel expenses, Saxony will have money left over in the state coffers in 2024.
Dresden is in debt again for the first time in a long time
After a long back and forth, Dresden draws up a double budget for 2025 and 2026. Some of the planned cuts are averted. Debt is accepted in return.
"Unmanageable situation" - Saxony's rural districts in financial difficulties
Rising costs for social spending, personnel and local public transport are putting Saxony's districts in distress. County councillors in Zwickau are now warning of an "unmanageable situation".
Criticism of the Saxony Fund - Greens speak of a shadow budget
Saxony's minority government is planning a Saxony Fund. Among other things, it is intended to absorb the special fund adopted by the federal government and stand for a long-term investment strategy.
Saxony cuts jobs - draft budget presented
Saxony has reached the age of savings. The Free State is cutting jobs for the first time since 2016. The investment ratio is also falling.
Audit offices warn against undermining the debt brake
The audit offices have to keep an eye on thriftiness ex officio. The extended options for taking on debt are therefore viewed with suspicious eyes.
Piwarz: Debt only justifiable for specific investments
Should we leave the interest burden of high debts or a broken infrastructure to our grandchildren's generation? The question of a sustainable financial policy is heating up.
State parliament rejects AfD motion on financial package
With its motion, the AfD wanted to call on the state government to reject the financial package in the Bundesrat. There was no majority for this.
Financial package: Greens call for borrowing in Saxony
The new federal financial package will give Saxony more scope for investment - provided the Bundesrat agrees. The Greens are calling for the new opportunities to be used.
Finance Minister: Saxony plans job cuts in the administration
Saxony will have to make savings over the next few years - including in its own personnel. Rising wages in the public sector are also leading to higher costs. How should things continue?
AfD wants special plenary on financial package - Saxony to reject
The CDU/CSU, SPD and Greens want to amend the constitution to allow more debt for investments. The AfD parliamentary groups in Saxony want to prevent this.
More company bankruptcies in Saxony - IHK sees a bleak future
More bankruptcies, more despair: In Saxony, insolvencies recently rose by almost 14 percent, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce warns of a further worsening of the crisis.
BSW wants special session of the state parliament on the financial package
Can a coalition vote for or against something in the Bundesrat if it does not have a majority in the state parliament itself? This is the question facing a minority government, as is currently the case in Saxony.
Heads of the federal states expect agreement on federal financial package
The Minister Presidents of the federal states are pushing for an agreement on the billions in investments planned by the CDU/CSU and SPD. The financial packages should not be separated.
Saxony's universities under cost pressure
Saxony has entered the age of austerity. All policy areas are affected. Nevertheless, science and research should remain a priority.
Protest - cyclists plan "zero laps" around the State Chancellery
The ADFC fears that there could be cuts in the construction of cycle paths and safety measures for cyclists in Saxony. A protest action is planned for Wednesday.
Theater with refugees: Thespis Center on the brink of closure
Money has become scarce in public coffers. Funding for cultural projects has been cut or no longer approved. In eastern Saxony, an ambitious theater project has been affected.
Tie vote - Görlitz district still without a budget
The budgets of Saxony's local authorities have long been in the red. Rising costs in the social sector are a particular burden - the district of Görlitz also sees the Free State as having a duty.
Kretschmer: Release the brakes on growth before investing
Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer has long been calling for a 100 billion special fund for infrastructure in the federal states. Now it could become reality.
Special federal assets revive debate on debt brake
What was not possible for a long time is now possible: Germany is incurring debt to renew ailing infrastructure. This is also making the countries more covetous.
Saxony continues to hold stakes in 31 companies
The Free State of Saxony is also active as an entrepreneur. The state's investment report provides information on this.
More income from inheritances for the country
If heirs turn down an inheritance or no beneficiary can be found, the inheritance falls to the state by law. It takes over everything: buildings, cars or household effects - and above all has work to do.
State parliament adopts commission of inquiry on municipal finances
The tight budgets of local authorities are a perennial issue in Saxony's politics. Now a commission of experts is to submit proposals to solve the problem.
Saxony plans to spend around 25 billion euros per year
"Not all flowering dreams will ripen": This sentence was heard several times after the budget meeting of the Saxon government. The Free State is facing financially challenging times.
Saxony plans to spend around 25 billion euros per year
"Not all dreams will come true": This sentence was heard several times after the Saxon government's budget meeting. The Free State is facing financially challenging times.
AfD and FW want a commission of inquiry into municipal financing
Saxony's municipalities are financially strapped. According to the AfD and the Free Voters, an expert commission is now to present proposals for new municipal financing.
Dresden culture petition against massive cuts
Dresden also has to make savings. The list of cuts presented to the city council also includes massive cuts in the cultural sector. Alongside understanding for the budget situation, there is resistance.
Emergency situation: District with resolution to new state government
The financial situation of Saxony's rural districts is poor. The budget deficit is half a billion euros. The districts are appealing to the new state government.
More than 12,000 supporters for Theater Plauen-Zwickau
Faced with a looming deficit, the Plauen-Zwickau Theater is struggling to secure its future. But the theater has many advocates. Can they avert the cultural downsizing?
Finance Minister draws positive conclusions from his time in office
Saxony's former Finance Minister Hartmut Vorjohann has always opposed calls for a softening of the debt brake. Now he is stepping down. How does he look back on his time in office?
Finance Minister: There will have to be cutbacks
The fat years are over. You hear this time and again in the corridors of the finance ministries. The planned minority government in Saxony is facing major problems.
Cabinet confirms provisional budget management
In a difficult financial situation, the Free State of Bavaria is entering the new year without a new double budget due to the ongoing formation of a government in the wake of the state elections. However, it is still possible to pay for things that cannot be postponed.
Theater Plauen-Zwickau faces cuts - petition launched
The Plauen-Zwickau Theater is facing an immense financial hole. According to a petition, it could even face closure in 2025. It calls the shareholders to account, but also the state.
58 schools in Saxony to receive financial support
The federal and state government's Startchancen program aims to increase equal opportunities for pupils - regardless of their social background. A total of 58 schools are participating in Saxony.
Dispute over financial policy: Budget has a gaping hole worth billions
Saxony's new government is still in the coalition negotiation phase and is already facing financial problems. A lot of money is missing from the budget for the upcoming double budget.
Health resort awards: Saxon municipalities complain about high costs
Saxony's health resorts feel left behind compared to other federal states. The spa status means costs that the municipalities in the Free State have to bear alone. They fear competitive disadvantages.
Erzgebirgsklinikum applies for protective shielding proceedings
The Erzgebirgsklinikum is groaning under rising costs. But there is not enough money to implement an urgently needed renovation plan.
Tax estimate: further loss of revenue for Saxony
The tax estimate is an indicator of revenue development. In view of the economic situation, it was already clear in May that the Free State would have to make do with less money - the situation is different for the municipalities.
Leipzig plans budget volume of 2.8 billion euros for the next two years
Spending on social services, personnel and the heating transition: Saxony's largest city, Leipzig, is planning to spend almost three billion euros in the upcoming double budget.
Theater Görlitz-Zittau offers naming rights to sponsors
Allianz Arena or Playmobil Stadium - this type of sponsorship has long been the norm in sport. A theater in eastern Saxony is now taking this form of advertising as a model.
Carola Bridge partial collapse burdens Dresden's austerity measures
The financially strained situation due to high costs and falling allocations is forcing Dresden to cut costs. The administration is even looking at prominent projects - also because of the Carola Bridge.
City of Chemnitz budget in crisis
In Chemnitz, the city's expenditure considerably exceeds its income. The city administration wants to put all expenditure to the test.
Deutsches Hygiene-Museum Dresden fights to maintain its international reputation
The Deutsches Hygiene-Museum is unique in the world and has an international reputation. Popular science exhibitions are a magnet for visitors, and the museum is also a place for debate - now money is running out.
Tight budget: Dresden's culture to save millions
Dresden has to save. Costs are rising, key allocations from the state are falling. The budget situation is extremely tight. Severe cuts are looming - and a significantly shorter season in Hellerau.
German Hygiene Museum in Dresden warns of imminent imbalance due to cuts in state subsidies
The German Hygiene Museum in Dresden is all about people. The popular science exhibitions are a magnet for the public and the museum is also a forum for debate - but there is a threat of trouble.
Saxon transport companies receive millions in funding for climate-friendly buses
Saxony's Ministry of Transport is providing millions in funding for local public transport. The subsidies are intended to help achieve the climate protection targets in the state and make public transport more attractive.
Foundation supports 327 art and cultural projects
The Small Projects Fund has been supporting cultural events in rural areas for several years. However, demand far exceeds the budget.
Budget situation in Dresden remains "extremely tense"
Inflation, social security contributions and high personnel costs are causing problems for Saxony's state capital: For the first time in years, it is facing a deficit at the end of the year.
Ministry of Finance: Deadline for 2023 tax return ends
The annual tax return is a challenge for many citizens of Saxony. An online portal helps to meet the deadlines.
Municipalities and transport companies demand more money for public transport
In an open letter, Saxon cities are pressing for more support from the Free State for local transport. Without additional funding, there is a threat of service cuts.
SSG demands better funding for local authorities
Saxony's local authorities are also short of money at every turn. This is why there is a great deal of wrangling over municipal finances - especially before a state election.
"Saxony Fund 2050" - SPD presents investment strategy
The SPD sees a major investment backlog in schools, hospitals, housing and the economy in Saxony. The party would like to reduce this with a special fund.
Municipalities in dire straits: Lord Mayor warns of financial crisis
Grimma's Lord Mayor Matthias Berger warns of the financial imbalance of Saxony's municipalities due to exploding costs and a lack of room for maneuver. He calls for an honest stocktaking and clear structures.
Municipal level wants to benefit from bitcoin proceeds
Saxony's municipalities want a share of the "Bitcoin treasure" - money that the Free State does not even have yet.
Millions for the state - tax investigators' balance sheet lower in 2023
The state is dependent on tax revenue, also for the general public. Its investigators are therefore always doggedly on the trail of fraudsters and tax evaders - with success.
More money for Saxony in future thanks to census
Although Saxony has lost inhabitants according to the census, it can still count on more allocations from the federal financial equalization scheme. This is due to a statistical effect.
More than 300,000 appeals against property tax assessments
With a revenue of around 15 billion euros per year, property tax is one of the most important sources of income for local authorities in Germany. Its reform involves a great deal of effort.
Criticism of Kretschmer's call for special assets
The Saxon head of government sees a huge investment backlog in Germany. He wants to create a so-called special fund to clear it. The FDP suspects what lies behind the word.
Three million from sponsors for the Free State's activities
The Free State of Saxony also uses sponsorship. However, its share of the overall budget is negligible.
Budget freeze to have little impact
The budget freeze imposed by the Saxon Ministry of Finance should have as little impact as possible on science and research. The consequences cannot yet be quantified in concrete terms, said ministry spokesperson Falk Lange on Monday when asked. "However, there are also large areas that are not affe ..
Conflict over finances defused: agreement on key points
Local authorities and rural districts are groaning under increasing financial burdens, especially in terms of social benefits. So far, the Ministry of Finance has remained intransigent. Now there are signs that the situation is easing.