Dierfeld: The smallest community in Germany defies mergers and blooms!

Dierfeld: The smallest community in Germany defies mergers and blooms!

in Rhineland-Palatinate, known for its large number of small communities, still ensures heated minds. The focus is particularly on the municipality of Dierfeld, one of the smallest communities in Germany that vehemently defends itself against a possible loss of its independence.

dierfeld, with a currently increasing population of 22, has experienced significant demographic changes in the past. The municipality, which consists of a good, a chapel and a cemetery, has so far been without unemployment and crime. Mayor Roderich von Greve-Dierfeld emphasizes the positive development and points out that the proportion of foreigners in Dierfeld is almost 50 percent. This diversity contributes to the lively community, which continuously increases through seasonal workers in the Hofgut.

economic stability and identity

The backing of the community is also evident in its financial situation. Mayor of Greve-Dierfeld refers to the balanced household and the reserves that are used to support social and non-profit facilities. However, the mayor expresses concerns that a merger could endanger Dierfeld's identity. These fears are not unfounded because in the past there have been numerous historical resistance to compulsory fusions, such as the merger of the Rockenhausen and Kirchheimboland districts to form the Donnersbergkreis in 1969, which was accompanied by protests.

The suggestion for a municipal merger recently came from the President of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Audit Office, Marcel Hürter, who questions the efficiency of small communities. There are currently around 2,300 municipalities in Rhineland-Palatinate, with around 1,600 municipalities have fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. Hürter demands that smaller places should think about inter -municipal cooperation or mergers to cope with financial problems.

continuity in the discussion about area reforms

Despite the discussion about regional reforms and the need for mergers, as well as the state government of Rhineland -Palatinate in 2018, which planned a reform of the area structures -but ultimately stopped these plans due to massive protests -the topic remains controversial. Interior Minister Michael Ebling is committed to compulsory mergers and emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the municipalities in order to ensure the future viability. Mayor Nicolas Meyer from Frankenthal adds that a merger does not automatically solve any financial problem.

in Dierfeld itself, however, the situation is seen in a different light. Mayor of Greve-Dierfeld confirms the need for neighborhood aid, for example in the implementation of elections, in order to protect the community's independence. In view of the challenges in front of which many small communities in Rhineland-Palatinate, the debate about mergers and reforms is still a hotly discussed topic that could shape the future of small communities.