Halle's €116M federal funding vote sparks protests and urgent debate
Halle's city council is meeting today at 2 p.m. in city hall for its February session. Among the key topics is a €116 million federal funding package, which the administration wants approved quickly to prevent losses from inflation.
Outside, demonstrators from local organisations are gathering to voice concerns before the session begins. Inside, 47 of the 56 councillors are present as discussions get underway.
A major focus of the meeting is the federal special fund, which will provide Halle with €116 million. The city plans to add €10 million of its own, bringing the total to €126 million. The administration intends to submit 40 projects for funding, with €80 million allocated for renovating the Stadthaus on the market square. Detailed cost estimates for the city hall refurbishment are expected by April or May 2026.
The council will also debate raising the local entertainment tax from 15% to 18% for arcades and gaming halls. Another financial issue is the city's unapproved budget, which has frozen funding for 'discretionary services' like youth centres. Infrastructure is also on the agenda. Plans include two new bridges: one linking Saline Island near Sandanger and another on Franz-Schubert-Straße. The Future Center's zoning and development will also be discussed. Traffic proposals are up for debate too. The Green Party wants to extend the 30 km/h speed limit on Glauchaer Straße between Lange Straße and Torstraße. Meanwhile, the Volt party and the Mitbürger group have suggested using scanning vehicles to enforce parking rules. The session began with the AfD faction calling to delay the vote on the special fund. Despite this, the administration is pushing for rapid approval to secure the federal money before inflation reduces its value.
The council must now decide on the federal funding, tax increases, and infrastructure projects. If approved, the €116 million will support major renovations, including the Stadthaus, while new bridges and traffic measures move forward.
Without a finalised budget, however, discretionary services remain unfunded, leaving facilities like youth centres without financial backing.
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