District of Rostock before financial catastrophe: 27.5 million euros deficit!

District of Rostock before financial catastrophe: 27.5 million euros deficit!

In order to counteract the impending crisis, a budgetary concept, Hasiko for short, was presented. This is a package of measures that provides for savings in the coming years. However, many perceive the desired savings as inadequate. A total of a maximum of 9.5 million euros should be saved by 2029 - an amount that looks almost ridiculous compared to the financial challenges.

polarizing opinions in the district council

The reactions to the Hasiko were mixed and often negative. Lars Zacher from the CDU described the savings as "peanuts" and warned of the possibility of bankruptcy. Other political representatives such as Hans-Werner Moltzen (AfD/BD) also stated that the suggestions do not apply far enough. They seemed to be lacking in a comprehensive concept that could have free the district from its predicament.

The narrative about the critical savings is illustrated by concrete examples. For example, 2500 euros are to be saved annually at the child environmental day, which many are not considered to be expedient. Instead, critics demand more to look at the actual causes of the financial problems.

In the district council itself, the Hasiko met with massive resistance. Some MPs described the planned measures as "pill palle" or even as "ridiculous". They wondered to what extent the administration actually checked the savings potential regularly and whether deeper cuts would not be necessary.

Finance committee and his requirements

The Finance Committee has also dealt with the Hasiko and is now calling for a revision of the plan. In talks it became clear that it could not only be about shortening expenses. Fred Ibold, chairman of the committee, also called for creative suggestions for saving and pointed out that one should continue to receive grants for essential areas such as sports and fire brigade.

A central element of the discussion about the Hasiko is the maximum amount for investment loans, which ultimately acts as a debt cover. This means that the debt per capita should not be more than 350 euros. While some defend this debt brake, others warn of the long -term consequences of such restrictions.

debt brake and their consequences

The head of the building department Romuald Bittl (CDU) summed up the discussion: If the investment backlog continues to grow, infrastructure measures such as bridge closures could soon become necessary. Despite the skepticism, Bittl emphasized the need for a debt brake and how important it is to face reality that cuts will hurt. A admission that is not shared by everyone.

Hans-Georg Kleinschmidt (SPD) attacked the discussion and recalled that investments in road construction can also contribute to creating jobs, which is often forgotten in the political debate. The circulation of the investments must be observed if you want to take sensible measures to improve the financial situation of the district.

This remains to be seen how the Rostock district deals with this financial challenge. It becomes clear that comprehensive measures are required here in order not to get into an even deeper crisis. This was last also in a report by www.nordkurier.de Themized. Calle a rethink in the political landscape is necessary to effectively master the upcoming challenges.