Dresden's Budget Dispute Intensifies: No Majority for Proposed Plan

The budgetary conflict in Dresden has escalated significantly as Mayor Dirk Hilbert announced a tentative agreement with coalition partners from the CDU, SPD, Greens, and FDP after prolonged negotiations and multiple delayed city council meetings. Despite this development, Hilbert and his coalition currently lack the necessary majority to pass the proposed budget, leading to the emergence of an alternative plan.

On Sunday afternoon, the Team Zastrow (TZ) faction in the city council unveiled their counterproposal, which they have been developing for months in anticipation of the negotiations. This move comes in the wake of the FDP's unexpected withdrawal from the coalition on March 19, which disrupted the original center-right budget plan.

The TZ and the AfD plan to present substantial amendments to Hilbert's budget proposal during the upcoming council session. These amendments are designed to alleviate financial burdens on citizens, contrasting sharply with Hilbert's plan, which includes increases in parental fees for daycare, resident parking charges, and business taxes. Additionally, the proposal entails incurring new debts totaling EUR220 million for infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of the Carolabrücke and the renovation of other bridges, while eliminating proposed savings for the local public transport company (DVB).

In a statement, TZ's faction leader emphasized the need for long-overdue structural reforms within the administration, arguing that the city must not continue to live beyond its means or transfer financial pressures onto residents and businesses. Maintaining stable parental fees is crucial for families trying to balance work and childcare responsibilities.

In contrast, TZ and the AfD propose cutting funding for cultural prestige projects and public transport enhancements, rejecting initiatives like the Robotron canteen and the Federal Garden Show (BUGA), which they view as indicative of detached policymaking. They advocate for the DVB and public transport to refocus on their essential functions.

The outcome of the votes on the various budget proposals remains uncertain, as neither Hilbert's coalition nor the TZ and AfD possess a decisive majority. They will rely on support from the BSW, the Left Party, or independent council members to secure the necessary votes.