German mayors demand stricter rules amid €25 billion urban funding crisis

Cities are crumbling under financial strain, with leaders warning of ‘developing-world’ conditions. Will stricter migration policies fix the crisis—or worsen it?

, and Administrator

2025 November 19 . 1:21 PM

1 min read

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German mayors demand stricter rules amid €25 billion urban funding crisis

Thirteen mayors from Germany’s state capitals have written an open letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, calling for stricter measures against people without legal residency. The move comes as cities struggle with funding gaps and growing concerns over urban decay. One named signatory, Stuttgart’s mayor Frank Nopper, joins others in pushing for clearer rules and better enforcement.

German cities face a €25 billion funding shortfall, as local governments provide a quarter of public services but receive just one-seventh of tax revenue. This financial strain has left infrastructure and maintenance lagging, with some areas resembling conditions seen in developing countries rather than modern Europe.

The federal government’s crackdown aims to address long-standing issues in Germany’s cities, from funding gaps to public safety. With migration playing a major role in urban demographics, the proposed measures focus on residency compliance, work requirements, and stricter enforcement. The outcome will depend on whether tighter policies can balance security with the practical challenges of integration and infrastructure.