Municipalities in Saxony-Anhalt continue to accumulate debt

Municipalities in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt saw their debt levels climb again in 2025. The State Statistical Office reported that by the end of the year, local governments owed around 3.711 billion euros. This represents a 7.7% increase compared to the previous year.

The per capita debt burden now stands at 1,746 euros, an increase of almost 135 euros per resident. A significant portion of this debt, nearly 40%, is concentrated in three independent cities: Halle, Magdeburg, and Dessau-Roßlau. Halle alone accounts for the highest municipal debt in the state, with over 811 million euros, while Magdeburg's debt is approximately 588 million euros.

However, the statistics also reveal a more nuanced picture. Not all municipalities experienced rising debt in 2025. The statistical authority noted that 142 municipalities managed to reduce their debts. Furthermore, the cities of Klötze and Braunsbedra, along with a total of 40 municipalities, were entirely debt-free by the end of the year.