After her announcement that she wanted to close the thermal baths in Bad Alexandersbad (Wunsiedel district) in Upper Franconia, which was renovated only a few years ago at a cost of millions, Mayor Anita Berek came under heavy criticism. As Michael Galimbis, CSU boss in the 970-inhabitant community, confirms, her resignation was repeatedly demanded in a municipal council meeting. The SZ said Galimbis that the mayor had “ignored” many and, with her announcement that she wanted to close the pool at the end of the month, caused a “dramatic loss of image” for the municipality. As the only purely municipally financed spa in Bavaria, the precarious financial situation has long been known. The “go-it-alone of the mayor” was “madness”. He also called for the resignation of the politician. In the municipal council there was “roaring applause” for such demands.
Berek, who ran for the SPD and has only been in office since 2020, had previously stated that she felt compelled to stop operating the Alexbad. She cited the financial burden as the reason. Shortly after the opening of the renovated thermal baths five years ago, it became apparent that the figures on which the investment decision was based could not be achieved. A report also proves that even if the pool is fully utilized, it is not possible to cover the costs. However, it is common for municipalities to pay extra for baths: A spokesman for the Bavarian Municipal Council said that it is normal for municipal baths to be in deficit. According to dpa information, Berek did not answer questions as to whether the closure was permanent and what was happening to the employees.
Regarding the financial situation of the municipality, she wrote in the announcement that the Free State has not approved an increase in cash advances since 2021, and that the amount has been limited to five million euros since then. The credit line is fully exhausted. In the immediate future there are expenses that the municipality cannot pay in full. It must be ensured that no further deficits arise. Closing the pool is the only viable option.