Allocation of federal aid to support poor municipalities is constitutional
The federal government is providing funds of 3.5 billion euros to compensate for differences in economic strength, which can be spent on hospitals or noise abatement, for example. A further 3.5 billion is to improve the infrastructure of schools.
The distribution key takes into account both the number of inhabitants and the number of unemployed in the federal states. A further third is based on the amount of cash loans held by the federal states and local authorities, which are intended to bridge short-term liquidity bottlenecks.
The state of Berlin believes that the distribution formula distributes aid unequally and unconstitutionally. However, the Federal Constitutional Court saw no violation of the Basic Law and declared the application from Berlin to be unfounded.
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- The state of Karlsruhe, like Berlin, has voiced concerns about the constitutionality of the aid apportionment process, arguing that poorer municipalities are not receiving adequate support.
- Federal aid for infrastructure improvement in hospitals and communes is a key aspect of the program, aimed at ensuring equal opportunity in healthcare and public services across all municipalities.
- In the context of the constitutional debate, critics argue that the current distribution formula may not adequately account for the specific needs and resources of smaller municipalities, such as those in rural areas.
- From the perspective of municipalities with fewer resources, they argue that they should receive a larger share of the federal aid to cater to their unique needs and overcome economic challenges.
- To address these concerns, some municipalities, such as Berlin and Karlsruhe, have considered taking legal action to challenge the constitutionality of the current aid distribution formula.
- In response, the Federal Government has pledged to review the allocation method to ensure that federal aid is distributed fairly and effectively, with equal consideration given to all local authorities and municipalities.
Source: www.stern.de
