Schwerin's factions cost taxpayers over a quarter of a million euros!

Schwerin's factions cost taxpayers over a quarter of a million euros!

In the past few months, the Schwerin city council has caused some excitement again. On June 21, 2025, those responsible published a detailed overview of the costs incurred by the taxpayers for the political activities of the political groups. The political business in the town hall is volunteering, but anything but inexpensive. In the period from June to December 2024, the expenditure added up to 266,000 euros.

These funds that were paid to the seven groups from the city budget cover personnel, rooms, IT equipment and various material costs. The parliamentary staff alone cost more than 192,000 euros in just six months. All factions are entitled to an employee position according to pay group E11 of the collective agreement for the public service, and the city also takes over the salaries directly. After all, room rents in the town house should also be observed for the possible expenses: these cost around 36,000 euros, which also includes heating, electricity, cleaning and renovation.

detailed editions and faction costs

The breakdown of the expenses leaves no doubt that the political factions treat themselves to extensive IT equipment: over 13,000 euros flowed into computers, tablets and software. Well over 23,000 euros were also made available to the political groups as donations in money. "Other costs" such as postage and insurance companies were also added with around 650 euros.

But how do these costs are spread over the individual factions? The CDU leads the ranking with almost 61,000 euros. Follow:

The entire political work in Schwerin clearly shows how important volunteer Engagement is and that it is also associated with expenses. 43 out of a total of 45 members of the city council have merged in six factions, with only two members act without them in the faction. This shows that the members of the city council rely on cooperation and solidarity, even if the inner structures of each faction must correspond to the democratic and constitutional principles, as the city administration specifies.

irregularities and their solution

A test report that revealed some smaller irregularities was also discussed. The Bündnis 90/The Greens paid for breakfast, which is not permitted. The SPD also had to pay back a donation of 80 euros. The handling of small inconsistencies was generally recognized by the factions and ironed out accordingly.

However, there are also three members of the city council who work without a political group and thus work without a faction. The diversity within the city council underlines its role in the common political work. The presence of non -factional members as well as the challenges associated with this are part of the municipal self -government, which can be traced back to the roots of German law.

Local self -administration has its roots in the 12th and 13th centuries and is very important to this day. Important decisions that affect our daily life are made by elected representatives in the city and municipal councils. It is therefore all the more important to build a strong network within the community in order to be politically successful.

The upcoming local election in 2026 will offer an exciting opportunity for everyone interested in politically to volunteer and to actively participate in the design of your city.

Further information can be found at Schwerin News href = "https://m.schwerin.de/politik-verwaltung/stolitung/fractions/" class = "source_2"> city administration Schwerin and Politics on Sohr .