CDU leader, Slawig, anticipates resolution for longstanding debts
In a recent state party conference, NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst and Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz made clear promises to address the pressing issue of municipal budgets, which showed a deficit of around 25 billion euros last year. The fear is that this year's deficit may even be higher.
Both the federal and state governments are being urged to increase their involvement in financing language courses for better integration. Recognising the importance of this initiative, NRW is providing 250 million euros per year to take over half of the cash credits for these courses. This funding, starting this year and running for 30 years, will alleviate the burden on municipal budgets without compromising on the goal of improving language skills for better integration.
Structural reforms at the federal level are seen as necessary to sustainably relieve municipal budgets. The massive increase in the costs of social services, particularly in areas such as accommodation, integration, and youth welfare, has significantly contributed to the budget crisis. Candidates for mayor Matthias Nocke have called for lasting structural changes to address these costs.
The CDU governments in Düsseldorf and Berlin have made a breakthrough in finding a solution to the old debt problem. While this solution is important, the consolidation of municipal budgets is seen as even more crucial. Friedrich Merz has committed to ensuring that the federal government secures the other half of the debt solution. The federal minister of finance is expected to submit the corresponding bill soon.
In a nationwide effort, sufficient funding for mastering the German language for better integration is not just a responsibility for the future of the city, according to Nocke. Real state money from the NRW state budget is being used for this purpose, ensuring that municipal budgets are not further burdened.
The German federal government has announced increased funding for language courses as part of integration efforts. This includes investments from special funds for education and support for municipalities, aiming to improve participation in integration and vocational language courses for migrants and refugees.
In conclusion, both the NRW state government and the federal government are taking active steps to address the budget crisis facing municipalities. By focusing on structural reforms, addressing the old debt problem, and increasing funding for language courses, they aim to provide sustainable relief to municipal budgets and ensure better integration for all.
