The example of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania shows that it is possible to review and correct census results retroactively. There, 158 municipalities filed objections or brought lawsuits. Due to the large number of cases, the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania State Statistical Office reviewed the census results and made changes for 118 municipalities.
District Administrator Allgaier Calls for Reliable Follow-Up Surveys
“From the district’s perspective, reliable follow-up surveys are now needed. In this process, random samples based on geographic areas—for example, using aerial photographs or Google Street View—can be cross-checked against figures from registration records, waste collection fee notices, and voter rolls,” explains District Administrator Allgaier. This data should be used to determine a reliable figure that will serve as the basis for the population count starting in 2026. “Our goal must be to have reliable population figures that reflect the actual conditions on the ground, and we should not waste any more time in doing so,” the District Administrator continued. “We also expect the Baden-Württemberg State Statistical Office to take responsibility and reexamine the unique situation in the Ludwigsburg district.”
After all, the Ludwigsburg district also experienced a statistically unusual drop in population figures in the 2022 census. This was caused by approximately 800 unresolved cases under review at the responsible data collection office. This office was under the technical supervision of the State Statistical Office and was organized as a separate unit within the district administration. The district administration itself therefore had no influence over the substantive processing of these cases.
Incorrect population figures cost municipalities and the district hundreds of millions
The impact of the verified population figures is significant. The Ludwigsburg district anticipates an annual revenue shortfall of approximately 12 million euros in municipal financial equalization starting in 2026. For the 35 municipalities in the district, the financial impact over a ten-year period amounts to a three-digit million figure.
District Calls for Review Instead of Relying on Legal Provisions
Numerous municipalities in the district have filed appeals against the determination of population figures. The Ludwigsburg district itself has filed a third-party appeal. Across Germany, several hundred municipalities have filed appeals against the census results or the underlying methodology and have filed lawsuits.
“In our view, it is not sufficient to simply refer to the provisions of the Census Act, which do not, in principle, provide for a change in the census data,” explains District Administrator Allgaier. “The letters from the State Statistical Office in response to the objections raised by the municipalities and the district do not, so far, indicate any willingness to reexamine the special circumstances and possible errors in the determination of population figures,” he further criticizes.
Fundamental Questions Regarding Census Methodology
From the district’s perspective, these developments also raise fundamental questions about the methodology of the 2022 Census. The experiences from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania make it clear what significant impacts unresolved cases and statistical procedures can have on individual municipalities. Criticism of the methodology has also come from the academic community. A scientific report commissioned by 287 municipalities and conducted by the University of Duisburg-Essen takes a critical look at the census process and its methodology.
Discussion with the Ministry of Finance
“Together with the state associations of municipalities, we had a very constructive exchange with the Ministry of Finance during the summer recess,” reports District Administrator Allgaier. During the meeting, the impact of the census results on the municipal level and the need for action were discussed.
“For us, one thing is clear: The unique situation involving approximately 800 unresolved cases must not be left unaddressed. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has shown that responsibility can be taken and corrections made. We therefore expect an unbiased review of this specific situation in Baden-Württemberg as well, and a solution that does justice to the affected municipalities,” the district administrator concluded.
