Dear Mr Mayor,
Dear Fellow Councillors,
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are living in turbulent economic and political times. Many things around us are changing and this naturally has an impact on local authorities.
The financial situation of local authorities in Germany in particular is simply catastrophic. Costs are rising far too quickly and we are paying for things that we did not „order“. Current expenditure in the social sector - particularly visible in the district levy - is increasing from year to year. There are not enough funds for necessary investments. This will no longer work in the long term; the federal and state governments must fundamentally reorganise financial flows. In particular, they must finally adhere to the principle of connectivity: whoever orders pays!
We still live in comparably solid circumstances in Meerbusch, but even we have not been able to avoid painful tax increases, only these ensure our financial stability for the time being and avoid a budget protection concept.
Does this mean that we as a council no longer have any room for manoeuvre? No, but we have to set clear priorities and cannot draw up wish lists.
We invest - but in a targeted manner. In particular in daycare centres, schools, our security and social services.
We are consolidating - but with a sense of proportion. No watering can cuts, no impositions on citizens. Meerbusch should continue to be an attractive place to live for everyone.
This budget shows: We act responsibly. In doing so, we always apply one principle: moderation and centre instead of ideology.
Climate protection? Yes - but practicable and affordable.
Social offers? Yes - but organised sustainably.
New projects? Yes - if they are viable and beneficial in the long term.
And we must continue to consolidate. That is why we are driving forward the digitalisation of administration. That is why we want to expand inter-municipal cooperation. Incidentally, both are not only necessary for financial reasons. In particular, the labour shortage - I deliberately no longer say shortage of skilled workers - will force us to automate many tasks in future or to carry them out jointly with others. Thinking within narrow municipal boundaries must and will come to an end - this appeal applies both to the administrations and to us as councillors.
Politics means setting priorities - and sometimes also drawing boundaries.
As the majority coalition of the CDU and FDP, we are particularly aware of this responsibility. It is easy to make demands and wish for nice things. It is more challenging to draw up an overall budget that is sustainable. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my FDP colleagues for sharing this responsibility.
I usually refrain from talking about the opposition at this point. But this time I would like to make a general comment: I find it very worrying when, after decisions have been taken democratically - in some cases by a large majority - weeks and
months later, there are repeated attempts to take action against it. Democracy also consists of accepting decisions made by the majority that you would not have made yourself. Some people here seem to have a problem with that.
I would like to end my short speech by thanking the Mayor, the Board of Directors and all employees. In truly challenging times, they perform their work reliably, with commitment and professionalism. They deserve our thanks for this!
Ladies and gentlemen,
This budget is a stability budget.
It protects our ability to act.
It invests where it is necessary.
And he does without where it makes sense.
Let us continue on this path for Meerbusch together - with a sense of reality, responsibility and trust in the strength of our city.
Thank you very much.
Werner Damblon
Chairman of the CDU parliamentary group
The spoken word prevails.