Protests against planned cuts to social and cultural services in Dresden

Ahead of the presentation of the draft budget for the next two years, criticism of planned cuts in the social and cultural sectors is growing. "All cuts in the social and cultural sector will hit the very people who need support the most," said Hendrik Müller, spokesperson for children, young people and families for the SPD parliamentary group in Dresden.

If funding were to be cut, the costs would merely be shifted: "If we cut back on prevention, this would later lead to additional costs for legally prescribed services in the social sector."

The Left Party wants to campaign primarily against cuts in the social, cultural and youth welfare sector, where projects, organizations and associations are directly dependent on funding. "We are fighting for everything we can here," said city councillor Tilo Kießling.

Without the funding, there would be a threat of closures right at the start of the year. In some cases, time is of the essence, such as for the funding of vacation camps, which are currently already planning for next year.

Alliance wants to demonstrate against cuts

Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP) will present the draft budget for 2025/2026 to the city council on Thursday. Before the city council meeting begins, the "Alliance Against Cuts Dresden" has called for a demonstration against far-reaching savings plans for the social and cultural sectors, which were announced in advance.

The cuts would reduce the quality of life in Dresden, according to the call. The list includes a significant increase in daycare fees, a deterioration in the Dresden Pass for people on low incomes and the social ticket, as well as the thinning out of local public transport.

Schools and culture also affected

There is also criticism of the planned cuts to school social work. In a statement, the Saxony Philologists' Association warned of "serious consequences for school communities". The cut of 1.5 million euros in the coming budget year will affect 20 Dresden schools and could lead to the complete discontinuation of school social work at some institutions.

In an open letter, the "Netzwerk Kultur Dresden" warns of massive, lasting damage to artists and cultural institutions of all disciplines as a result of the planned cut of 4 million euros in the cultural sector. "This will destroy the foundations of Dresden as a city of culture," write the signatories, who include the director of the German Hygiene Museum, Iris Edenheiser, and the artistic director of the Staatsschauspiel Dresden, Joachim Klement.