'Local Authorities at Their Limit' Action Day on 22 June 2026
Dear citizens,
On 22 June 2026, districts, towns and local authorities across the country will send a united message: local authorities at their limit.
Local authorities’ budgets are sliding ever deeper into the red. They are at their limit – or have already gone beyond it. Last year alone, local authorities across the country had to cope with a funding shortfall of more than 30 billion euros. With the ‘Local Authorities at Their Limit’ day of action on 22 June 2026 , districts, towns and municipalities across the country are calling for the federal government in particular, and the Länder as well, to finally take action and restore balance to the financial situation of local authorities.
On the ground, it becomes immediately apparent and visible what is at stake when responsibilities grow but the necessary funding fails to materialise: nurseries, schools, services for the elderly and young people, swimming pools, culture, transport, social support and much more. Local authorities’ financial difficulties affect everyone’s daily lives.
Why are local authorities at breaking point?
Counties, towns and local authorities are facing a historic financial crisis, though they did not bring it upon themselves. They are faced with an ever-increasing number of statutory duties, which are also becoming increasingly expensive. The problem is that the federal and state governments set out these duties but do not ensure sufficient long-term funding. The result is that local authorities have to spend the vast majority of the money at their disposal on these statutory duties. There is less and less money available for so-called ‘voluntary tasks’, as well as for day-to-day administrative operations.
Local authority responsibilities include many of the things that make up local life and everyday existence. When local authorities have to make cutbacks, this means, for example: damaged roads, schools and village community centres in need of renovation, fewer buses and trains, closed swimming pools, fewer youth services, poorer hospital care, longer waiting times at local government offices, poorly maintained playgrounds, fewer cultural activities and less local support.
The local government financial crisis affects us all.
- Information from the Saarland Association of Towns and Municipalities and the Saarland Association of Districts -