Stuttgart in crisis: cuts endanger social projects at risk!

Stuttgart in crisis: cuts endanger social projects at risk!

In Stuttgart, social institutions are facing a serious crisis. The “Center for Self-Determined Living” (ZSL) association is threatened with its existence due to massive cuts in the 2026/27 double budget. The plan is to cut city funding by 50%, which could lead to a drastic reduction in the number of consultants from four to two. Such a decision would have serious consequences for the many people seeking advice who depend on the valuable support. Loud Stuttgart News Every week, ZSL helps around 20 people look for jobs and apartments as well as apply for social benefits.

The pressure on the city's finances is enormous: Stuttgart's austerity budget is the largest since the financial crisis of 2009, caused by a decline in trade tax from 1.3 billion euros in 2024 to an expected 750 million euros in 2025. Savings proposals from the authorities amount to a total of 243 million euros, with 260 jobs at risk. The savings made by the Office for Social Affairs and Participation, which amount to 27.5 million euros, are particularly critical. Facilities that provide addiction, senior citizen and refugee assistance as well as assistance for people with disabilities are severely affected by this.

Debate about cuts

Criticism of the planned cuts comes from various quarters. The Stuttgart Welfare League complains that the cuts are too general and calls for a detailed examination of the individual items. The Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband Stuttgart points out that these measures are not only disproportionate, but could also lead to the possible end of the ZSL. Three local council groups have already submitted applications to maintain the subsidies for the ZSL, which are to be discussed on December 19th.

A specific case illustrates the problem: Franziska K. urgently needs an Epi-Watch to control her epilepsy. Their financing is uncertain, which could severely impact their lives. This individual need provides a bridge to the broader challenges facing the ZSL.

Commitment to special education

In addition to the acutely threatened services, the ZSL also works in special education, where it offers further training and support in key areas of support. This is done by supporting nine regional specialist teams and supporting full-time teachers in school programs. This shows how important solid financing is for education and how diverse the ZSL's areas of responsibility are. The responsibility for inclusive educational offerings makes the role of the ZSL all the more central to promoting equal opportunities.

The development of the current situation impressively shows how interwoven areas of social justice, education and financial sustainability are in the Stuttgart area. The call to save ZSL is a call for the community to get involved in social issues and ensure that no one is left behind.