State parliament adopts commission of inquiry on municipal finances

At the request of the AfD parliamentary group, the Saxon state parliament has launched a commission of inquiry into municipal finances. Its aim is to find a way out of the financial plight of municipalities, cities and districts. In addition to the AfD, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance and the non-attached MP Matthias Berger (Free Voters) also voted in favor. The CDU and SPD abstained, while the Greens and the Left Party voted against. The AfD can set up such a commission on its own given its parliamentary strength.

AfD calls for major municipal finance reform

AfD parliamentarian Thomas Thumm referred to the current budget shortfall of over one billion euros in Saxony's municipalities. "Of course, the municipalities must be helped in the short term. We will therefore - as always - stand up for the municipalities in the budget negotiations," he explained. At the same time, Saxony and Germany need a major reform of municipal finances, which must be thoroughly prepared by experts.

Berger accuses governing parties of inaction

Matthias Berger, long-time mayor of Grimma, accused the previous governing parties of inaction. CDU MP Stephan Weinrich had previously said that the problem was obvious and that there was no problem of knowledge. "The AfD is acting as if it has uncovered a great injustice. However, it has long been clear to everyone that the financial situation of local authorities is becoming increasingly difficult."

A commission of inquiry to solve these problems is not the best way forward in Weinrich's opinion. "The proposals would take a long time to develop and would be delayed." The coalition agreement between the CDU and SPD, on the other hand, already proposes solutions today.