Burkhard Jung, President of the German Association of Cities (Deutscher Städtetag) and Mayor of Leipzig, stated that the mood in German town halls is 'explosive.'
Jung said the mood has 'never been as bad as today.'
Jung reported that municipalities are increasingly unable to fulfill tasks required by the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz). He noted that municipalities with balanced budgets are 'long since the absolute exception.'
The President of the German Association of Cities called on the German federal government to provide stronger relief for municipalities, stating that the federal government must 'move on finances this autumn.'
Social and care costs
According to Jung, the amount municipalities must provide for those unable to afford long-term care.
Jung expressed fear of additional burdens totaling three billion euros regarding youth welfare and housing benefits.
Climate adaptation and legislation
Jung stated that almost all German cities with over 100,000 inhabitants have submitted a heat plan. He advocated for including heat protection as a joint state task in the German Basic Law (Grundgesetz).
Jung also criticized the building modernization law passed by the German black-red coalition.
Democratic implications
The financial crisis in German municipalities could fuel skepticism toward institutions and democracy, Jung warned.
