Leverkusen's financial crisis: budget lock and massive tax returns!

Leverkusen's financial crisis: budget lock and massive tax returns!

On May 5, 2025, a new political constellation in Berlin formed, which could also have far -reaching consequences for the city of Leverkusen. The SPD has now named its ministers, and Friedrich Merz will be elected the new Chancellor on Wednesday. The Leverkuseners look particularly excited about the new representatives of their city in the Bundestag: Nyke Slawik from the Greens and Karl Lauterbach from the SPD. The latter has lost his position as Minister of Health to Nina Warken from the CDU and will no longer be active in the health committee. Lauterbach has announced not to criticize the new minister. These shifting in the federal government raise questions about future political support for Leverkusen.

In Leverkusen itself, the mood is tense. The city lacks financial resources. The trade tax revenue has broken down dramatically, and only around 100 million euros are expected of 385 million euros. This situation is probably forces the city to become a budget for the rest of the year, such as ksta.de . This lock only allows expenditure on legally mandatory tasks and starts planning a new household security concept in August. City treasurer Michael Molitor and Mayor Uwe Richrath are therefore under pressure to revise their financial planning in order to meet the current challenges.

financial challenges and political demands

The causes of the decline in trade tax revenue are diverse. General economic difficulties, repayments of companies and non -realized settlements are the main factors. These problems have led to the city administration can only carry out contractually or legally mandatory measures. Uwe Richrath therefore calls for responsibility for the municipalities and investments in education and daycare centers in order to find long -term solutions for the financial bottlenecks. In addition, the trade tax rate is constant at 250 basis points so as not to endanger future commercial settlements.

Stefan Hebbel from the CDU called on the federal government to make a significant financial contribution to the city's old debts. He calls for a clear commitment to connecting to state tasks and expresses concerns about migration policy and the accommodation of refugees in Leverkusen. Claudia Wiese from the Greens, on the other hand, welcomes the planned economic measures of the new federal government, but calls for a rapid implementation.

The current political climate could also influence the 500 billion euro package of the new government, which is also seen by the Milanie Kreuz, also by the SPD, as hope for the city's infrastructure. Nevertheless, the skepticism about the actual financial means of the municipalities remains. Valeska Hansen from the FDP expresses concerns whether the promised funds actually arrive in Leverkusen. The city has already initiated measures such as flat -rate spending and revision of personnel requirements in order to master the financial challenges.

investments and future planning

Despite the financial bottlenecks, Mayor Richrath considers the city administration to be fundamentally well positioned. Mandatory necessary investments for daycare centers and new school buildings should remain unaffected by the budget lock. At the same time, the approval for the transition building of the Feuerwache Nord in Opladen has a list, the costs of which amount to 17.5 million euros. The historic building of the Feuerwache Nord has been in need of renovation for two decades, but so far no political solutions have been found.

Overall, the financial situation in Leverkusen will continue to worsen in the coming months, while the new political actors in Berlin could possibly bring new impetus to the city. The upcoming decisions and their implementation could be decisive for how Leverkusen will overcome the current challenges. Political votes therefore require a quick action from both the federal government and the city administration to secure the financial issues of the city and find solutions for the future.