The three leading local government associations—the German Association of Cities, the German Association of Counties, and the German Association of Cities and Municipalities—have jointly called for this day of action. They are urging the federal and state governments to finally take decisive action and implement effective measures to address the local government financial crisis.

The financial situation of cities, counties, and municipalities is dire: the municipal deficit stood at around 30 billion euros in 2025. This is a historic high, and the trend is upward. A major cause is rising social spending, which municipalities are required to cover under federal law and for which the scope and standards have been continuously increased in the past. The city of Wiesbaden’s budget is also heavily burdened by the fulfillment of mandatory tasks assigned by the state and federal governments. As early as December 2023, the City Council had therefore resolved to consistently demand, through the Hessian Association of Cities, that the state of Hesse adhere to the principle of connectivity.

“The federal and state governments must either assign fewer tasks to Wiesbaden or adhere to the principle of connectivity. Put simply, the rule must be: whoever assigns the task pays for it. Particularly in the area of social benefits—such as the legal right to child care, long-term care assistance, or integration assistance—Wiesbaden is dealing with amounts in the hundreds of millions that the city effectively lacks,” says Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende. “We therefore join the three leading municipal associations in their demands.” 

The German Association of Cities, the German Association of Counties, and the German Association of Towns and Municipalities are calling on the federal and state governments to completely eliminate this municipal funding shortfall. This could be achieved through annual emergency aid, an increase in the local share of joint taxes, and necessary reforms to the social security systems. The principle “Whoever assigns the task also pays for it” should apply immediately to any transfer or expansion of responsibilities by the federal and state governments—with full, dynamic financial compensation for all tasks transferred to municipalities by the federal and state governments.

“The municipal financial crisis is not an abstract concept. It is very tangibly felt on the ground. The federal and state governments must act to ensure that local governments remain capable of serving their citizens,” Mende concluded.