City of Ueckermünde: Administration is criticized for construction projects!

City of Ueckermünde: Administration is criticized for construction projects!

On July 14th, various factions in Ueckermünde, including the AfD, the Citizens' Association and the Citizens for Western Pomerania-Greifswald (BfVG), jointly submitted a request for an emergency meeting of the city council. Due to a number of urgent issues, such as problems with a hotel, a gym and the elevator at the Ehm Welk School, these inconsistencies must be dealt with quickly. Detlef Rabethge from the BfVG emphasizes that these matters cannot simply be postponed over the summer break. Antje Krins from the Citizens' Association is also dissatisfied with the administration's actions, especially with regard to the construction work, which is tied to important funding and deadlines.

Inken Arndt from the AfD also points out the considerable financial risk associated with the upcoming projects, especially when considering the planning of inclusion at the Ehm Welk School. There are obviously grievances here, because the outdoor elevator, which is urgently needed, does not correspond to the required distance to a neighboring property. An agreement with the neighbor is urgently required in order to avert the risk of losing funding.

The concerns of city officials

The city representatives also criticize the city administration's supposedly grossly negligent planning regarding the gymnasium on the Haffring. The second construction phase can be classified as risky in the current budget situation. Another point in this tense situation: If the construction phase is not completed by June 30, 2026, there is a risk of losing 1.1 million euros in funding. The administration is also being accused of negligent behavior in the planned resort hotel, as a purchase agreement was concluded which, in the opinion of city representatives, has adverse consequences for the city.

Karsten Berndt from the BfVG calls on buyers to let the contract come into force within a set period of time in order to avoid even greater financial damage. In this context, the political groups emphasize the importance of careful use of budget resources. According to the local constitution, the application must be processed by the end of this week or early next week. Mayor Jürgen Kliewe has already confirmed receipt of the application and announced an extraordinary meeting for July 23rd.

Respond to political pressure

There is currently also an increased interest in the political coordination processes in the federal government, such as daily news reported. There, the Union, together with the SPD, is planning to call special sessions of the old Bundestag. However, the AfD and the Left reject this and have taken legal action. In a political climate in which the composition of MPs has changed, this is causing considerable debate about the legitimacy of the old Bundestag's decisions.

In a larger context, there is often a struggle for financial resources in local politics. The financial situation of many cities is tense, with annual new debts putting a strain on their cash resources. As the Federal Agency for Political Education As stated, municipalities have a real right to regulate their own concerns, but they are often subject to decisions and financing by state, federal and EU authorities. This can lead to municipalities having to act as stopgap for social and infrastructural challenges.

It remains exciting to see how the gap between local needs and higher political bodies can be bridged. In any case, the factions in Ueckermünde agree that action must be taken now – at all levels.