Overview
- The state cabinet plans to decide on Tuesday between Halle and Weißenfels for a new prison site, according to the official agenda.
- Reporting indicates the Finance Ministry favors Weißenfels on the grounds that a development plan could be secured more quickly there.
- Cost estimates cited in coverage put construction at about €400 million, with roughly €22 million added for each year of delay.
- Halle’s mayor urged the state to keep the project in Halle, highlighting existing justice infrastructure, workforce depth and a pledge to fast-track the zoning plan.
- Police and prison-staff unions prefer Halle, warning of longer transports—estimated at about 1.5 hours from Halle to Weißenfels—greater staffing needs and added burdens, while Greens and local politicians demand transparent operating-cost figures and flag site concerns such as a high-voltage line.