German Cities Bergisch Gladbach and Krefeld Tighten Budgets Amid Growing Deficits

The CDU parliamentary group in Bergisch Gladbach reported that the city administration is applying the council‑approved fiscal consolidation measures. With an expected €12 million shortfall in trade‑tax revenues, the municipality plans to cut €1.3 million in material costs and save €2.5 million in personnel expenses, alongside stricter personnel‑cost controls, a hiring freeze for six months and a review of temporary contracts.

In Krefeld, the FDP faction labeled the upcoming budget consultation a "farce" as the city confronts a projected depletion of €366.2 million in equity by 2029 and annual deficits of about €130 million. The city council has placed a budget freeze in place, citing concerns from the Düsseldorf supervisory authority and warning that the deficit could worsen with higher interest rates. Opposition parties criticised the process and warned that the current approach could leave other council groups' proposals ignored.