Fire protection: Schuster assures missing funds

Following criticism of the funds planned for fire protection in the draft budget, Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU) has promised the missing funds for the legally required subsidies. "The outstanding amounts from the fire protection tax revenue will be made available to the municipalities in the budget implementation," he said in a statement.

The subsidies are prescribed by law "at least in the amount of the fire protection tax revenue". The Saxon Association of Towns and Municipalities criticized the fact that this requirement was not met in the 2025/2026 draft budget. In 2026, there will be a shortfall of 8 million euros.

Schuster: Existing structures secured

The Ministry of the Interior has to save 40 percent of its budget, and the fire department cannot be exempt from this, said Schuster. Priorities had been set for the savings. There would be no cuts to current expenditure and existing structures would be safeguarded, said Schuster. For example, support for children's and youth fire departments, the state fire brigade association and active members of volunteer fire departments is to remain uncut.

Investments cut by 35 percent

Funds for investments in fire protection, on the other hand, are to be cut by 35 percent to around 28 million euros for 2025 and 21 million euros for 2026. "The situation is challenging for the next two years, but by setting priorities with foresight, we can maintain the good structures in the fire departments and then pick up where we left off in future budgets," said Schuster.