Munich’s New ‘Mango Coalition’ Targets Housing Crisis and Budget Consolidation
Munich, May 8 – A new coalition, dubbed the “Mango Coalition” due to its diverse partners, has been formed in Munich’s city hall. Comprising the Greens/Rosa Liste, SPD, FDP, and Freie Wähler, the coalition finalized its agreement shortly before the first city council meeting. The 35-page contract, titled “New Beginnings and Solidarity, Renewal and Reliability,” outlines key priorities, with the housing crisis and municipal budget consolidation at the forefront.
New Mayor Dominik Krause (Greens) emphasized that all parties made compromises, agreeing that tackling the housing crisis and stabilizing the city’s budget are paramount. To gain room for maneuver, significant reductions in ongoing expenditures are planned. Krause had previously stated that these savings would primarily come from streamlining administrative costs and increasing efficiency within the city administration.
No Operational Layoffs, Fee Adjustments Possible
Regarding personnel, the coalition agreement states that the city administration must “-based on political guidelines-prioritize which positions absolutely need to be refilled and which tasks can be eliminated.” However, operational layoffs are explicitly ruled out. The agreement also mentions that “to stabilize the revenue side (…) moderate and socially balanced adjustments to municipal fees and charges are to be reviewed and implemented where factually justified.”
“Construction Turbo” for Munich’s Housing Shortage
On the critical issue of housing, the coalition intends to fully implement the “Construction Turbo” initiative introduced by the federal government. To expedite the construction of the 50,000 new apartments promised during the election campaign, Mayor Krause convened a housing summit on May 19, his first day in office. Representatives from the business community, the city’s “Münchner Wohnen” company, developers, and cooperatives will seek ways to accelerate housing construction.
SEM for New Development Areas to Continue
The controversial urban development measure (SEM) will be continued “until an amicable solution has been reached with property owners,” the coalition agreement states. The coalition aims for cooperative, trustworthy collaboration with property owners. In addition to the SEM-affected new development areas in the north and northeast, the coalition plans to utilize already developed urban areas to create new residential zones.
Euro-Industrial Park to Integrate Housing
The wholesale market is slated for relocation to the surrounding area. The Euro-Industrial Park commercial zone, according to the coalition’s plans, will in the future combine commercial and residential uses. Furthermore, the coalition intends to further develop the “Sozialgerechte Bodennutzung” (SoBoN – Socially Equitable Land Use) scheme, which involves an exchange between investors and the city. If an investor seeks building rights from the City of Munich, they must offer public benefits in return.
Subway Expansion Contingent on Funding
Regarding transportation, the coalition partners are committed to consistently modernizing Munich’s bus network. The Tram-Westtangente and the tram line in northern Munich are also slated for construction. However, the Tram Johanneskirchen project will be put on hold until concrete federal funding commitments are secured. Similarly, the expansion of the subway network will only be pursued if specific funding pledges are in place. The expansion of the cycling network will continue, and motorists are promised more “green waves” (coordinated traffic lights).
The Oktoberfest is also a topic in the coalition agreement, stating that only Munich beer will continue to be served, but the coalition is open to including additional Munich breweries.
Referrals for Opposition, Personnel Decisions
The groundwork for personnel decisions has also been laid: Mona Fuchs (Greens) is set to become the 2nd Mayor, and Verena Dietl (SPD) will remain the 3rd Mayor. Both still need to be officially elected by the city council at its first session on Monday.
According to the coalition agreement, the Greens/Rosa Liste faction will have the right to propose candidates for six city departments (Planning, Personnel, Education, Construction, District Administrative Office, and Climate), the SPD for four (Economy, Social Affairs, Health, and Treasury), and the FDP/Freie Wähler for two (IT and Culture). The mobility department will be filled by mutual agreement of the coalition partners.
Notably, at the request of Mayor Krause, the CSU, which is in opposition, will also have the right to propose a candidate for a departmental position in the city government. The Greens announced that this will be the municipal department.
Source: https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/muenchner-mango-koalition-sparen-und-bauen-im-fokus,VJ2Docd
