Saxon oasis Sachsenwald: Communities reject takeover!

The Sachsenwald in Schleswig-Holstein focuses on a controversial discussion about tax privilege and the collection of trade taxes. On January 27, 2025, a meeting between Christoph Mager (CDU), the district administrator of the Duchy of Duchy of Lauenburg, and representatives of neighboring communities and the country took place. Among those present was Gregor von Bismarck, the owner of the Sachsenwald.

According to the meeting, the Sachsenwald could be considered a tax haven. Parties in the state parliament have already requested a correction of the nobility privilege from the 19th century. Interior Minister Sabine Sütterlin-Waack (CDU) announced that it would strive for a reform by 2026. Lean emphasized that it was not about the expropriation of the forest, but about integration into a community. Several options have been discussed, including maintaining the current status or taking over the Sachsenwald by one or more communities.

municipal concerns and discussions

The mayors of the neighboring communities expressed that none of them were ready to take over the Saxonswald. Lean summed up that the municipalities would prefer to keep the current status. There is a concern primarily in terms of fire protection and the path connections. In addition, Gregor von Bismarck was open to the discussion, but was dissatisfied with the previously proposed solutions.

A reason for the intensive discussion is a research by ZDF Magazin Royal, which revealed that two thirds of trade tax revenue in the Sachsenwald flow to the von Bismarck family. The Sachsenwald is managed by a manor head who is responsible for the trade tax, whereby the tax rate in the Sachsenwald is relatively low with 275 percent compared to Hamburg (470 percent).

In another report by NDR, it was shown that the regulation in Schleswig-Holstein Gregor Graf von Bismarck allows trade taxes to collect trade taxes in the Sachsenwald. Over two million euros in trade taxes have been taken in recent years. The ZDF Magazin Royale found at least 21 companies in a hut in the Sachsenwald, which raises suspicion of mailbox companies. Bismarck's trade tax revenues amount to more than 2.5 million euros between 2017 and 2023.

FDP MP Christopher Vogt described this development as a "small economic miracle" and expressed concerns about the tax model. SPD MP Beate Raudies also demanded information about the income in the Finance Committee. The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the trade tax rate of 275% was legally permitted and that the proper collection and removal of trade taxes would be checked regularly.

Gregor von Bismarck rejected all allegations and explained that the office space was found regular. He also emphasized that the trade taxes collected are used for the preservation and reforestation of the forest. Represented entrepreneurs in turn expressed that companies had moved into the forest for reasons of sustainability.