Dresden’s financial situation is spiraling out of control. Internal documents show that Mayor Dirk Hilbert (FDP) and Economic Mayor Jan Pratzka (CDU) plan to eliminate 875 full-time positions in the administration. This would correspond to approximately twelve percent of the current 7,375 positions. However, the city council had only approved a five percent cut. This drastic job cut is already causing political controversy. (saechsische: 27.08.25)
Millions in savings in Dresden in sight
The planned reduction is expected to free up 50 to 70 million euros annually, thus stabilizing the city’s budget.
A plan had already been put forward that envisaged the same scope until 2029. Now the austerity measures are to be implemented in a significantly shorter timeframe. This will exacerbate the administrative crisis in Dresden.
Consequences for citizens and administration in Dresden
The cuts directly impact the daily lives of many Dresden residents. There are already backlogs in housing benefit applications and naturalization applications. With significantly fewer staff, further delays are looming, but at the same time, the burden on employees is increasing. The staff council says the pressure on the workforce is “a health hazard.” The job cuts at Dresden City Hall could therefore lead to noticeable restrictions.
Digitalization as a solution – and a problem
Hilbert and Pratzka are placing a strong emphasis on digital processes. Administrative procedures are to be streamlined, applications processed online, and procedures automated. However, IT specialists are lacking. Without technical staff, the restructuring remains risky. Critics point out that across-the-board cuts do not guarantee improved processes. This threatens to further intensify the administrative crisis in Dresden. The austerity measures are also losing credibility.
Political dimension
The discrepancy between the City Council’s resolution and the administration’s plans is causing tension. Representatives of the Green Party emphasize that administration is not defined solely by cuts. Efficiency only comes from the combination of sufficient staffing with modern technology. The drastic job cuts and the accelerated austerity measures at Dresden City Hall are shaping the political debate. The administrative crisis is thus dominating city politics.