Every year, thousands of Swedes visit Berlin as tourists. Many were attracted by the city’s culture with nightclubs, opera, art and theatres.
But the culture is now threatened by extensive budget cuts.
– I find it very worrying. That the state may no longer want to subsidize culture, says actor Katja Hiller.
Germany is running out of money. The economy is doing badly, so the tax revenue is less than expected. At the same time, the country has a so-called debt brake written into the constitution. It prevents the German state, the states or even the municipalities from taking on larger debts to finance the deficit.
That’s why cuts are starting to be made around the country. And in the capital Berlin, which is both a city and a state, they have had a budget deficit for many years. That’s where the cuts are most noticeable. Fewer cycle paths are being built, school projects have been canceled and social organizations will have reduced budgets.
And the culture suffers.
More expensive tickets – less selection
Berlin must save between ten and twelve percent of its cultural budget. For many smaller theatres, museums and concert halls, it can be difficult to survive.
Everything from the famous opera house and the city’s major museums to organizations that help artists get work space will be affected. The famous philharmonic may have to save around SEK 20 million a year, the city’s classical concert hall is forced to cancel several productions, including an entire festival, and free museum visits on Sundays are skipped.
Tourism important income
Berlin is governed by a coalition of Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, who believe the austerity plan is tough but necessary. But critics believe that it is short-sighted because a large part of the city’s income comes from tourists, who in turn come for the culture in Berlin.
The actor Katja Hiller thinks that taxes can be raised. She points out that Berlin is one of the few major cities in Europe where there is still no congestion tax for motorists and where parking is free in many areas.
– I hope that it will not be quite as bad in the coming years as has been said. I can only hope, for this city, for the city’s artists and above all for our society, says Katja Hiller.