Brandenburg Finance Minister Robert Crumbach (SPD) Proposes Freeze on Government Hiring
In light of the current financial constraints, Brandenburg’s Finance Minister Robert Crumbach (SPD) has announced a freeze on the creation of new positions within the SPD/BSW state government for 2025 and 2026. This measure is part of efforts to present a balanced budget amid economic challenges.
"The goal is to achieve a balanced budget," Crumbach explained during a meeting of the state parliament’s budget committee. "Therefore, the various ministries have been informed that there will be no increase in the number of positions for 2025 and 2026."
However, Crumbach acknowledged that an exception may be made for the police force. "I do not want to hide the fact that there is one area where this may be the case, even though I personally do not foresee any increase in staff there in 2025, and that is the area of the police," Crumbach said. The new Red-Purple coalition government aims to increase the number of police officers to 9,000.
The possibility of reducing positions is also under consideration, according to the minister. "It is indeed true that we must also consider this, especially if we structurally reduce or alter tasks."
After two years of budget surpluses, Brandenburg’s financial situation deteriorated in 2023 due to lower-than-anticipated tax revenues in the face of a weakened economy. Crumbach reported a deficit of approximately 900 million euros.
A draft budget for 2025 and 2026 is expected to be presented to the cabinet soon. A cabinet decision on these budgets could "potentially be made in the near future," Crumbach stated.
This process requires "extraordinary discipline and the setting of priorities," Crumbach emphasized, but he did not provide a specific timeline. Ministries have been tasked with revising their initial budget proposals to address funding gaps, which will be followed by discussions with the relevant ministers.
Steeven Bretz, a budget expert for the opposition CDU party, urged the government to finalize the budget as soon as possible. He also questioned Crumbach on the state government’s response to Health Minister Britta Müller’s (non-partisan) warning about the potential for further hospital insolvencies.
In response, Crumbach noted that Müller is engaged in ongoing discussions with hospital providers to ensure the viability of healthcare facilities. However, he emphasized that the state cannot assume responsibility for covering hospitals’ operating costs, which is a matter for the federal government.
Consequences of the Hiring Freeze
The hiring freeze imposed by Finance Minister Crumbach is likely to have a significant impact on the state government’s operations. With no new positions being created, government departments may face challenges in meeting their current workloads and fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.
This could lead to delays in service delivery, reduced efficiency, and increased pressure on existing staff members. Additionally, it may hinder the government’s ability to address emerging needs or take on new initiatives.
The exception made for the police force highlights the government’s recognition of the importance of maintaining public safety. However, it remains to be seen how the hiring freeze will affect other essential services, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Outlook for Brandenburg’s Finances
Brandenburg’s financial situation is facing significant headwinds due to lower tax revenues and a challenging economic environment. The government’s commitment to a balanced budget suggests that it will need to make difficult decisions in the coming months.
The upcoming budget discussions will be closely watched to determine how the government intends to bridge the funding gap, prioritize expenditures, and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the state.
