Reuter expressed concern over the lack of dialogue surrounding the precarious financial positions of many municipalities. He highlighted the prevalent outsourcing practices and the absence of comprehensive strategies or follow-up on numerous projects.
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Acknowledging the substantial responsibilities delegated by the state to municipalities, particularly in public transport and drop-in centres (maisons-relais), Reuter underscored the critical necessity of consolidating municipal finances and personnel competences.
The FGFC strongly advocates for municipal mergers, emphasising their pragmatic necessity over mere municipal autonomy. In this context, Reuter criticised the fact that some municipal leaders have to be “forced” to go down this path.
Reuter cited Dudelange, Bettembourg, and Esch-sur-Alzette as examples of municipalities where the financial situation is causing concern.
The FGFC President noted that, in general, many municipalities pursue construction projects “that don’t really make sense” and are often unnecessarily ambitious for the local area. For Reuter, it is worth questioning “whether we really need these pompous buildings.”
