Schleswig-Holstein's budget 2026: New debts and job cancellations!

Schleswig-Holstein's budget 2026: New debts and job cancellations!

Schleswig-Holstein, Deutschland - The financial situation in Schleswig-Holstein is becoming increasingly precarious. On July 22nd, 2025, finance minister Silke Schneider (Greens) presented the draft budget for 2026, which provides for a net credit of 754 million euros. According to stern.de thus the state government will almost fully exploit the constitutional debt options. A deficit of 0.92 billion euros is on the agenda for the coming year, which is not surprising in view of the planned expenditure of 17.81 billion euros and estimated income of 16.89 billion euros.

The distribution of expenditure is already being discussed in Schleswig-Holstein. In the planned budget constellation, 1.76 billion euros (9.9%) are planned for investments. Here, among other things, 90 million euros are to flow on social housing in state -owned roads and 100 million euros. But the pressure to act is huge: According to the minister, savings suggestions from all ministries have to be developed, and many concessions are necessary to fill the cash registers.

job cuts and loss of trust

A bitter pill for the employees in Schleswig-Holstein represents the job cuts. The draft budget provides for a total of 268 positions, mainly in the field of education. Nevertheless, there is a little ray of hope: no layoffs in the country are expected, and in certain areas, such as the public prosecutors and civil defense, new bodies are to be created. Despite this positive message, the government's critics cannot be dismissed.

The opposition parties FDP, SPD and SSW agree on their criticism of the high new debt and the fact that the investment rate is considered inadequate at less than 10%. The decision to delete teaching positions also ensures turmoil among the educational institutions states NDR Festival .

reserves and the supply fund

An important point in the new budget draft is the planned withdrawal of 300 million euros from the pension fund. This fund has a base of 641.1 million euros. Finance Minister Schneider emphasizes that this should remain untouched, which, in view of the need for action of 343.7 million euros, still appears as a shaky solution. The opposition criticizes these approaches and sees the government in a financial dead end.

An additional aspect is the difficult financial situation of the municipalities in Schleswig-Holstein, which are in a serious financial crisis. This became all the more urgent after the State Constitutional Court declared an emergency loan of 492 million euros for 2024. A return of the money is required

The discussions about the budget for 2026 will continue in the state parliament in September, and the supplementary budget for 2025 is to be presented in autumn. The balancing act between investment need and the government's savings pressure all too often jumps to the fore - a good hand is required to master the financial challenges.