State parliament - Finance Senator: Berlin must function with less money
The registration office in Berlin is supposed to reflect the actual number of residents in the future. This was stated by Finance Senator Stefan Evers (CDU) in the House of Representatives. "We are concerned with increasing registrations and bringing the registration office up to date," he said during the plenary debate on the topic "Budget Chaos 2.0: Half a Billion Census Gap and the Coalition without a Plan," which was requested by the Left-wing fraction.
Due to the latest census data, Berlin has significantly fewer inhabitants than assumed. This results in the state receiving significantly less money from the federal tax redistribution system. The budget gaps will therefore be even larger.
"It's about financing politically whether Berlin has to pay which prices, because the registration office was not on the standard it should have been in 2022," said Evers. The CDU politician held the previous coalition government (SPD, Greens, and Left) responsible for this.
Evers dismisses criticism from the opposition
Criticism from the opposition regarding the black-red fiscal policy was dismissed by Evers. He wanted to explain the seriousness of the financial situation that the black-red coalition had inherited. Due to the explosion of state expenditures, Berlin is paying out more money than it can afford. "Berlin is paying for many things that other states and municipalities cannot," said Evers.
The task is to bring the budget back to a sensible level. "It's about a historical need for action," so the Finance Senator, who estimated the savings volume until 2026 at around five billion euros. Not everyone has recognized the seriousness of the situation yet. "We will tackle this job. It's up to us now."
Evers: Berlin must manage with less money
Evers addressed the opposition, telling the Left and Greens to deal with the fiscal legacy of the previous government. He reproached them for continuing to push for significant additional expenditures.
"We want, we must, we will ensure that the city also functions with less money." The question arises: "What is the core of state welfare, what is nice to have?" In the upcoming savings, every further step is heavier than the previous one. "That's why it's in good hands with us."
Evers mentioned the CDU's concern with improving the registration office, as it was neglected under the previous government's leadership, specifically the coalition of SPD, Greens, and Left. During the debate in the State parliament, he criticized the previous government for failing to maintain the registry office at the required standard in 2022.
In the House of Representatives, Stefan Evers, representing the CDU, highlighted the significant impact of inaccurate census data on Berlin's finances. The city is actually receiving less money due to the miscalculated number of residents, which is exacerbating the budget gaps.
Evers also addressed the previous government's responsibility for Berlin's current financial situation, which he described as a ballooning of state expenditures compared to its financial capabilities. He stated that Berlin is paying for expenses that other states and municipalities cannot afford.
