President of the Association of German Cities: “The mood in city halls is explosive”

Burkhard Jung, president of the German Association of Cities, has called on the federal government to provide greater relief to municipalities in light of their financial difficulties. “I’ve been in this role for 21 years now and speak with many colleagues,” Jung, who is the mayor of Leipzig (SPD), told the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND). “Believe me: The mood in city halls across the country is explosive. It has never been as bad as it is today. The federal and state governments simply have to take action.”

Local governments are now running a deficit of more than 30 billion euros every year. “That’s why the federal government must take action on finances this fall. We won’t let up until that happens,” said Jung. Instead of relief, new burdens are constantly being added. Local governments are finding it increasingly difficult to fulfill their responsibilities—“even though we are required to do so under the Basic Law.”

More Burdens Instead of Relief

This applies, for example, to the planned long-term care reform. “Even today, we have to raise five billion euros for people who can no longer afford long-term care in old age.” The long-term care reform would add new burdens. The hospital reform also means additional burdens. “This cannot continue. Because we already have our backs against the wall,” Jung emphasized.

Citizens are feeling the effects—“in the lack of renovations to schools and sports fields, or the wait times at city offices, and the elimination of many voluntary services provided by cities.” The president of the Association of German Cities warned: “This leaves its mark and fuels skepticism toward institutions and democracy as a whole. I’m very concerned about this.”