New advice centers in Thuringia: consumer help for everyone!

New advice centers in Thuringia: consumer help for everyone!

In a decisive initiative, the Thuringia consumer advice center has decided to expand its advisory services. From September 2025, new advice centers will open in Hildburghausen and Sonneberg in southern Thuringia and in Schleiz in eastern Thuringia. This expansion is a clear sign that the consumer advice center is focusing on rural areas and would like to strengthen advisory services in these regions. Ralph Walther, board member of the consumer advice center, emphasizes the need for financial resources in the upcoming double budget for 2026/27 in order to ensure the continued existence of the new positions

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There is currently 2.1 million euros available in the state budget for the consumer advice center, although the requirement is 2.7 million euros. What impact does this have on the new advice center? The missing funds result from a global underspending that must be offset by savings. Despite these challenges, last year showed that around 10,000 consumers sought personal advice. But staff shortages in 2023 meant that fewer consultation appointments could be offered

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Consulting topics and challenges

The topics of advice are diverse and range from consumer law to finance, dealing with food and nutrition. In 2024, there will already be 6,700 cases in the area of ​​nutrition, while around 3,300 Thuringians have used energy advice on topics such as replacing heating systems and photovoltaic systems. A common reason for help is online trading, which confronts many consumers with challenges such as fake shops or shipping problems. Contracts with fitness studios or supposed competitions also repeatedly cause difficulties for those seeking advice

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Especially in rural areas, it is often difficult to distinguish reputable offers from dubious providers. Many people are looking for reliable information in order to make conscious and sustainable consumption decisions. This is where the “Consumer protection in rural regions for young people” project comes in, which, in collaboration with youth associations, provides information and helps to avoid debt. Technical consumer protection also offers security regarding unsafe products and health risks

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Outlook for the future

In the future, the Thuringia Consumer Center will also pay more attention to the protection of staff and patients from harmful radiation and the handling of explosive substances. A high standard of monitoring authorities is crucial to ensure fair competition and working conditions, while EU rapid alert systems ensure that unsafe products can be quickly removed from the market. With the opening of the new advice centers and the planned measures, the consumer advice center will go one step further towards comprehensive consumer protection.

Overall, it shows that consumer protection in Thuringia is more than just a slogan. The consumer advice center ensures that help and support is available in the region and actively advocates for consumer rights. The coming months will show how the situation will develop in terms of financial resources and what further steps can be taken in this important area.