Saxony: 4.8 billion euros for infrastructure, but expectations disappointed!

Saxony: 4.8 billion euros for infrastructure, but expectations disappointed!

There is unrest in Saxony about the distribution of funds from the new special infrastructure fund. How Sächsische.de reports, Saxony will receive over 4.8 billion euros in the next few years. Almost 60% of this sum is to flow into municipal projects, while 10% is earmarked for large-scale projects. Part of the money will be earmarked for urgently needed school renovations; Specifically, 480 million euros are planned here over the next twelve years. But the tone from parents and teachers is anything but euphoric.

The State Parents' Council and the GEW education union emphasize that the estimated need for renovation is at least ten times higher. Many parents and teachers criticize that the promised funds are far from enough to bring school buildings up to current standards. In addition, Saxony has drastically reduced its own funding for school construction compared to the previous year. For 2024, only 110 million euros are planned for new construction projects at daycare centers and schools; No state funding is earmarked for new school construction projects this year or next.

Criticism from municipalities and associations

Municipalities, such as the Görlitz district, are hoping for increased funding for road construction. District Administrator Stephan Meyer (CDU) expresses doubts that the additional money from the special fund is sufficient. The Saxon Ministry of Transport plans to provide 3 million euros for municipal road construction this year and 6 million euros next year. These sums raise the question of whether this actually covers the needs of the communities.

In addition, the Saxon Court of Auditors warns that the new debt resources could replace existing budget resources, which would further put a strain on the financial situation of the municipalities. Pro Bahn criticizes the priorities of the money, especially the focus on supporting an Olympic bid. The Green parliamentary group is also putting pressure on the issue and is demanding that the funds be used for sustainable projects, especially for rail connections. Transport Minister Regina Kraushaar is also calling for more investment in the rail network to improve the infrastructure.

Budget surpluses in the red

The Prime Minister's Conference determined that the 100 billion euros provided for states and municipalities will not be enough. This impression is reinforced by the Saxon Association of Cities and Municipalities, which is calling for structural relief for the municipalities. Over the last decade, municipalities have gone from budget surpluses to a deficit of 207 euros per capita. In particular, Dresden's mayor Dirk Hilbert is calling for the federal government to cover the municipalities' costs.

The Leipzig Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also doubted the effectiveness of the special fund for economic growth, while the East Construction Industry Association has expressed skepticism about the unclear use of the funds. The knot that needs to be cut is clear: the challenges are enormous and the future of Saxony's infrastructure hangs on a knife's edge.

Attention to the different projects that these funds could affect gives hope that the urgently needed support will arrive in a timely manner and will actually be invested where it is needed most.