Thore Eggert: "Defying the Perfect Storm as Much as Possible"

Bergisch Gladbach’s city treasurer, Thore Eggert, has warned of a severe financial crisis facing the municipality. In a recent budget speech, he described the situation as a 'perfect storm', citing analysis from the Institute for Fiscal Studies at the University of Cologne. Eggert, a member of the FDP, urged local leaders to take decisive action to stabilise the city’s finances.

Eggert began his address by acknowledging the difficult budgetary conditions. He stressed the need for financial flexibility and defended the current austerity measures as necessary steps. To reinforce his point, he quoted Marie Curie: 'One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done.'

The treasurer justified proposed increases in property and business taxes. He argued that these adjustments, along with new and existing financial tools, would help meet the city’s challenges. Eggert also thanked outgoing council members for their work in shaping Bergisch Gladbach’s development. Calling for unity, he encouraged council members to make wise, forward-thinking decisions. The goal, he said, was to reach a broad consensus for the city’s long-term benefit. Eggert reassured residents that Bergisch Gladbach was doing everything possible to navigate the crisis.

The city now faces tough choices as it works to balance its budget. Eggert’s speech outlined both the severity of the financial strain and the steps being taken to address it. The coming months will show how effectively Bergisch Gladbach can manage these economic pressures.