Criticisms over distribution strategy: Halle's OB Vogt voicing dissent
Mayor Dr. Alexander Vogt of Halle (Saale) has expressed concerns about the distribution of funds for public infrastructure and economic growth in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Vogt suggests that more focus should be placed on regional centers like Halle (Saale) to create pull effects and benefit surrounding municipalities.
According to the data released by the state government on September 16, 2025, Halle (Saale) receives 511 Euro per capita, which decreases to 477 Euro when using population numbers from the municipal registration office. This is significantly lower than the average distribution of funds per capita throughout the state, which stands at 734 Euro. Neighboring cities like Dessau, with a population of 75,000, receive 868 Euro per capita.
Mayor Vogt praises the uncomplicated allocation of funds but criticizes the underfunding of Halle (Saale). The city, which is without a district, receives only 20 percent of the 1.568 billion Euro allocated for the state. Of this amount, 60% will go to the municipalities as a lump sum, with the independent cities receiving 310 million euros and Halle (Saale) as a major city receiving around 115.6 million euros.
The city needs funds for districts like Neustadt and Ammendorf to implement basic infrastructure improvements. Halle (Saale) has an investment need of approximately 1 billion euros in the infrastructure sector.
Vogt urges the federal and state governments to reconsider their stance on major cities, citing a provision in the Länder- und Kommunal-Infrastrukturfinanzierungsgesetz (LuKIFG) that financially weak municipalities should be particularly considered. Around 560,000 of the 2.135 million inhabitants of Saxony-Anhalt live in cities without a district, with almost 245,000 living in Halle (Saale).
Vogt is hopeful about the Landesarm, a fund that the state has in addition to the regular budget, to further promote projects in the municipalities. He relies on the commitment of Halle representatives in state politics to secure funds for necessary projects, such as the waterworks in Beesen, crucial for the economic development of the southern part of the state.
Key figures like Olaf Meister, the Green party parliamentary spokesman, and the CDU faction leadership in the Saxony-Anhalt state parliament are advocating for additional funds to finance necessary infrastructure investments of about 1 billion euros in Halle. Meister, as a financial and economic policy spokesperson, emphasizes the importance of adequate funding for projects, and CDU representatives like Ulrich Thomas and other parliamentary spokespersons highlight investment needs in infrastructure and economic development.
Vogt also criticizes the burden-sharing as not adequate and not following economic criteria and structural requirements. He emphasizes that Halle (Saale) bears more than just the infrastructure and public service burdens of its population, taking on tasks and functions for the surroundings and the whole country.
The city is hopeful for a fairer distribution of funds in the future, which will enable it to carry out necessary infrastructure projects and contribute to the economic growth of the state.
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