Munich. This year, as on other years on Ash Wednesday, city council leaders were taking part in the traditional purse washing in the Fischbrunnen (fish fountain) at Marienplatz.

Minister Christine Stobl dipped the symbolic city portmone into water, and treasurer Ernst Wolowicz wished her every success according to the old custom.  "We want to keep for the citizens in these financially difficult times, what they value and cherish", said Stobl. This includes many services, which although charged for, the fees only partially cover the costs, leaving the council to pay the rest.  The areas of costs the city is covering are: culture and education, leisure and recreation.