care of existence - CDU for more public-private cooperation in local authorities
Given the tight budgets in many municipalities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the high investment needs, the CDU is calling for more cooperation between the public sector and private companies in the field of public infrastructure.
"Public-private partnerships offer Mecklenburg-Vorpommern the chance to drive the expansion and modernization of our infrastructure more efficiently," said Daniel Peters, chairman of the state party and parliamentary group. By bundling public and private know-how and financial resources, "projects can be implemented faster and more cost-effectively than would be possible with state funds alone."
Peters had visited the plant of the waste management company Remondis in Lünen, Westphalia, with his faction colleagues and gained insights into the recovery of raw materials, as well as discussing the potential of public-private cooperation.
Due to limited financial resources and insufficient personnel capacity, municipalities are increasingly struggling to fulfill their public infrastructure tasks, such as water, waste, and recycling, on their own. Private companies can contribute to securing and improving infrastructure and services through investments and expertise, said Peters.
However, the Association of Cities and Towns in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is skeptical about the proposal. "It is in the nature of private companies that profit is more important than the common good. This has been shown in the past with previously municipal water or power supplies or housing companies. Fees and rents increased, often without the substance being maintained or improved," said association manager Andreas Wellmann.
It is therefore important that municipalities retain significant influence. However, Wellmann also acknowledged that municipalities face significant challenges, particularly with the planned energy transition.
In the 1990s, many municipalities privatized waterworks and housing companies in whole or in part to reduce debts and save ongoing costs. Rostock was an example of this.
In 1993, the first public-private partnership for water supply in Germany was concluded there. However, the city later terminated the contract with the Remondis subsidiary Eurawasser due to limited influence and, in its view, insufficient profit participation, and took over the business again in 2018.
The new operator, Nordwasser, is a joint venture between the Warnow Water and Wastewater Association and the municipal supply and transport holding company. The energy supplier Wemag, based in Schwerin, was also municipalized in 2010.
The agricultural policy spokesman of the CDU parliamentary group, Thomas Diener, cited the disposal of animal carcasses and slaughter waste as an example of a successful public-private partnership. This task lies with the state as a sovereign task.
"Here, cooperation with specialized companies like Saria in Malchin has proven exemplary, as it ensures not only secure disposal but also innovative material recycling, such as the conversion of animal fats into biodiesel," said Diener.
The CDU strongly advocates for the involvement of private companies in public infrastructure projects, citing potential efficiency and cost savings through public-private partnerships, as stated in the initial text. Furthermore, Thomas Diener, the agricultural policy spokesman of the CDU parliamentary group, highlights the success of a public-private partnership in the disposal of animal carcasses and slaughter waste, where cooperation with Saria in Malchin has led to secure disposal and innovative material recycling.
