Resistance in Hohne: Citizens fight against savings bank closures!

Resistance in Hohne: Citizens fight against savings bank closures!

The ongoing debate about the planned closures of three Sparkasse self-service locations in Beedenbostel, Hohne and Bröckel is causing excitement among residents. These measures, which have been sharply criticized by the mayors and numerous citizens, were the focus of a public protest in which over 1,200 signatures were collected against the closures. How CZ.de reported, the savings bank plans to close its ATMs by the beginning of August 2025. This is a grace period that extends beyond the originally planned date of the end of June 2023.

The Sparkasse's decision to close these locations is based on low usage figures and high investment costs, which the mayors concerned can hardly accept. Hohne's mayor, Jörn Künzle, has set up a working group made up of mayors, council members and residents to prevent the closures. Künzle is combative and is considering legal action, while Bröckel's mayor, Hans-Hinrik Berkhan, is considering initiating urgent legal protection proceedings in order to bring about a preliminary legal decision.

Legal steps in focus

The savings bank issue also attracts legal attention. An example of this is an ongoing case that was decided before the Higher Administrative Court of North Rhine-Westphalia. There, an applicant was denied access to files on so-called Jewish accounts that were set up during the Second World War. As in a report by North Rhine-Westphalia justice system As can be read, the applicant was unable to credibly make a claim for an order, which showed that claims to freedom of information are often tied to complex legal frameworks.

In the light of such legal challenges, it becomes clear how important it is to stand up for your own interests. Many citizens are showing a high level of commitment to prevent the closures, while the Sparkasse points to the low usage figures to justify its decisions. Critics of Künzle and Berkhan also question the security arguments that operating ATMs at the locations is too dangerous.

The principle of equal treatment and its effects

Another central issue surrounding savings banks is the principle of equal treatment. In this regard, a ruling by the Higher Administrative Court of Saxony-Anhalt makes it clear that savings banks, as public law institutions, are obliged to comply with the principle of equal treatment in Article 3 of the Basic Law. How Facade scratches explains, savings banks may not arbitrarily refuse or terminate accounts. A simple reference to the Money Laundering Act is not enough to justify termination.

These legal principles could have far-reaching consequences for savings banks, especially if critical media or organizations are affected. The savings banks are tasked with providing accounts to the population and must make their decisions in accordance with the legal framework.

In an age in which civil rights play an increasingly central role, the current situation in Beedenbostel, Hohne and Bröckel shows how important it is to fight together for local concerns and examine legal options. While the discussions about the savings bank closures continue, it remains to be seen what practical solutions the working group will find and whether the legal steps will be successful.