Tax waste in MV: Millions of euros for questionable projects!

Tax waste in MV: Millions of euros for questionable projects!

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the Taxpayers' Association is once again causing a stir. In his current black book he has uncovered a whole series of tax wastes, some of which take on embarrassing dimensions. Seven cases were collected from the northernmost Federal Republic alone, four of which ended up in the nationally published print edition of the Black Book. But what is behind these numbers? NDR reports that the waste is primarily due to questionable projects and initiatives.

One of the examples uncovered is a project in Dobbin-Linstow, where a planned fish ladder for the mill pond, which was dredged for one million euros just two years ago, is now expected to cost over four million euros. A cheaper alternative solution was not even considered. This raises the question: Where is the profitability?

Failures in Ueckermünde and in online trading

Another highlight of tax waste comes from Ueckermünde, where a roundabout is being built for an impressive 1.3 million euros, even though the investor's hotel plans have now failed. And speaking of failed projects: The regional online platform “GoMeVo.de”, which was founded to promote local trade during the Corona pandemic, only generated 1,700 euros in 2022, even though it was fed with 1.5 million euros of taxpayers’ money. N-TV informed about the fact that the project continued despite calls for closure, but ultimately had to be stopped without success.

A bicycle parking garage in Schwerin, which was planned for 3.2 million euros, is another item on the list. It is criticized that there are already 200 bicycle parking spaces in the city center, and the taxpayers' association sees simple bicycle racks as a more cost-effective solution.

Questionable advertising campaigns and problems with skilled workers

Criticism of the Ministry of Education in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is not neglected. 600,000 euros were spent on an advertising campaign to recruit skilled workers, while at the same time skilled workers were laid off. Education Minister Simone Oldenburg ordered this measure in order to attract new specialists for daycare centers and crèches, even though groups had already been reduced or facilities were facing closures. N TV further explains that around 13,300 skilled workers are currently employed in the daycare centers in MV. A study by the German Economic Institute indicates that a reduction in capacity in the institutions could be urgently necessary due to the lack of children.

The worrying situation continues with the Ministry of Agriculture, which has foregone revenue of at least 100,000 euros because the fee calculation basis has not been adjusted for nine years. This raises questions, especially given the high deficit in the state budget.

The current situation shows once again how important it is to carefully examine and manage public funds. While the taxpayers' association denounces the waste, public discussion about the need for half-baked projects and advertising campaigns is needed more than ever. How can those responsible ensure that citizens' tax dollars are used sensibly and responsibly?

It remains to be hoped that those responsible will learn from these grievances and have a better hand in allocating public funds in the future.

A look at the 2025 budget, which has a volume of around 480 billion euros and provides for a “global underspending” of 17 billion euros, shows that savings and responsible financial policy are also necessary on a large scale. The Federal Agency for Civic Education highlights the challenge of adapting the budget to actual needs. It remains to be seen how efficiently those responsible in Berlin and in the federal states will use the resources available.