Chamber of Commerce sounds the alarm: Remunicipalization could cost Bremen dearly!

Chamber of Commerce sounds the alarm: Remunicipalization could cost Bremen dearly!

There is currently a lot of simmering in Bremen as the discussion about the re-municipalization of wastewater and waste disposal is gaining momentum. What many citizens may not know is that the Chamber of Commerce is warning of the expensive consequences of this move. A topic that could cost money for many people.

The Chamber of Commerce examined a 47-page report from Berlin-based Prognos AG, which critically examines the Senate's decisions. As the report shows, from 2028 Bremen would have to take over the tasks of wastewater and waste disposal as well as street cleaning itself. This would require investments of a whopping 123 million euros, not to mention the annual interest burden of over 3 million euros if you raise money on the capital market. The hoped-for savings of 2.1 million euros from eliminating VAT would immediately offset these costs, according to the Chamber of Commerce. “There’s something going on,” they say in Bremen, and that’s certainly true here.

The Senate and the shadow games of transparency

The Chamber of Commerce's concerns and doubts are no coincidence. After all, the state government's crucial reports are treated as classified information and are therefore difficult for the public to view. A request for inspection was rejected by Economics Senator Kristina Vogt, prompting the chamber to file an objection. This lack of transparency causes uncertainty among Bremen companies.

In contrast to the Chamber of Commerce's view is the broader political landscape. The Senate apparently sees the matter differently: According to a current evaluation by the city of Bremen, there are economic benefits from remunicipalization. The report, which analyzed 22 different organizational forms of urban drainage and drinking water supply, shows possible savings in the millions. This could be particularly interesting for the city in times of tight budgets.

The practice and its challenges

But reality speaks a different language. Examples from other cities show that remunicipalization does not always bring the hoped-for relief. In Dresden, for example, the number of employees rose from 350 to 450 after exiting a public-private partnership, while at the same time profits fell and fees rose. In Essen, too, the costs of remunicipalization are estimated to be at least 38 million euros, which emphatically underlines the skepticism of some decision-makers.

Another key point is the stability of fees that Hansewasser offers the citizens of Bremen. According to those responsible, there are currently no changes to operational activities. Hansewasser ensures a stable fee situation while political actors discuss future changes and the tax framework is still being examined. Citizens could benefit from lower sewage and water fees, but whether this will actually become a reality remains to be seen.

It is clear that the discussion about remunicipalization in Bremen is anything but settled. On the one hand, the concerns of the Chamber of Commerce, which warns of possible financial losses, and on the other hand, the Senate's hopes for savings. Whether and how the situation develops remains exciting. And while politicians continue to deliberate, we can look forward to what the coming years will bring for Bremen.

For further information, see also the studies of the Chamber of Commerce, which points out many uncertainties in its statement, as well as the view of the city of Bremen, which emphasizes the economic advantages of remunicipalization: Weser-Kurier and ZFK.