Taxpayers' Association Slams Germany's 'Black Book' of Wasteful Spending
The Taxpayers' Association has released its annual 'Black Book', highlighting cases of public money waste across Germany. This year's edition includes a road construction project on the B6n in Saxony-Anhalt, listed for the second time due to persistent issues. The association demands more transparency and strict economic tests to prevent such incidents.
The 'Black Book' exposes projects like the B6n construction, which has fallen into a budget trap due to poor planning and lack of cost-benefit analyses. Despite tight budgets, millions are still being wasted by the government, states, and municipalities. The Taxpayers' Association criticizes a nature experience center at Stausee Kelbra, funded with coal phase-out money, as an example of wasteful spending.
Other cases include a bridge to nowhere, a planned battery factory that became a subsidy ruin, and a telecommunications surveillance center that is not operational due to missing software. The 'Black Book' also criticizes expensive new buildings and bridges to nowhere in Saxony, such as the 'bicycle speedometers' in Dresden and a bridge in Radeburg. The association demands binding cost ceilings for investments to prevent construction delays and additional costs for taxpayers.
The 'Black Book' serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in public spending. The Taxpayers' Association urges stricter economic tests and clear rules to prevent wasteful spending, ensuring that public money is used efficiently and effectively.
