Berlin Senate Wasteful Spending Criticized

Taxpayers' Association Criticizes Scarves and Bike Boxes - Taxpayers' Group Slams Berlin's Wasteful Spending

The Association of Taxpayers has raised concerns over several spending decisions by Berlin's Senate and local districts. The group has criticized a campaign that saw 5,000 'Berlin' scarves sold at a loss, as well as the use of translation software on the city's official website, and the construction of bike boxes without adequate funding.

The Association of Taxpayers has slammed a Senate campaign that sold 5,000 'Berlin' scarves for a total cost of 368,000 euros, with sales revenue failing to cover expenses. The group also criticized the Senate's use of translation software on berlin.de, estimating tens of thousands of euros in unnecessary costs. Additionally, the Association has condemned a special regulation that ensures district mayors and city councilors retain their salaries until the end of the 2026 legislative period, even if they lose their positions in a repeat election.

In Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district, the Association of Taxpayers has criticized the construction of 48 bike boxes at a cost of 691,000 euros. The group argues that the construction costs were not covered by rental income, leading to a financial burden on taxpayers.

The Association of Taxpayers has expressed concern over several spending decisions by Berlin's Senate and local districts. The group has called for greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. The criticized decisions include a loss-making scarf campaign, unnecessary translation software costs, a special regulation for politicians' salaries, and bike boxes constructed without adequate funding.