Sangerhausen (dpa/sa) - According to the district administrator of Mansfeld-Südharz, André Schröder, the energy prices endanger the debt limit of the municipalities. The price development for gas and electricity supply and the associated higher social spending could not be reconciled with the upper limit for taking on new debt, said the CDU politician according to a statement on Monday before the state government's energy summit. In order to prevent over-indebtedness in households and insolvencies in municipal companies, federal and state aid is absolutely necessary.
"Not only is the burden on administration buildings, schools, sports halls and social facilities increasing, the social systems co-financed by the municipality are also facing an enormous stress test," said Schröder. Instead of one-off grants, longer-term solutions are needed. The gas procurement levy decided for October 1 will exacerbate the problems again, pure liquidity support is not enough. "Societal peace requires powerful and joint action by federal, state and local authorities."
Prime Minister Rainer Haseloff (CDU) has invited to the crisis talks on Tuesday. Common solutions will be discussed and a focus will also be on the gas-dependent economy.
