Politics under pressure: residents are outraged by new refugee accommodation!

Politics under pressure: residents are outraged by new refugee accommodation!

Landsberger Allee, 10367 Berlin, Deutschland - nag/nag editors -

In Berlin it is bubbling! The opening of a new accommodation for 1200 refugees on November 11th causes excitement among the residents. Shortly before the opening, politics invited to pronunciation, but the citizens felt over. State Secretary Aziz Bozkurt emphasized the urgency of the Situation: Without this accommodation, many asylum seekers threaten homelessness. This is only a part of the challenges that the city is confronted with, such as The Berliner Zeitung reported.

The accommodation of refugees in Berlin remains a hot iron. The warehouse used as an arrival center for Ukrainian war refugees on the former Tegel Airport is to be expanded by 1,000 places. Carl Herwarth von Bittenfeld, a leading city planner, sees the city on an expensive error with masses. He demands alternative solutions and a better integration of citizens in the planning process in order to take fear and concerns seriously.

The anger of the residents

The reactions of the residents are clear: anger and disappointment with the lack of citizen participation. At the information event before opening the accommodation, many expressed their concerns about the competition about daycare and school places. Herwarth von Bittenfeld recognizes the resentment and emphasizes that politics must take the worries of the citizens seriously to build trust. The challenge of accommodating refugees is not trivial, and around 40,000 refugees already live in Berlin accommodations.

Politics argues with the emergency situation, but many citizens feel excluded from the decisions. Bozkurt warns that homelessness threatens without the new accommodation. But is that really the only way? Citizen participation is often considered to be a hindrance to quick solutions, but Herwarth von Bittenfeld sees it differently: "We have to involve people to find a sustainable solution."

alternative solutions required

The planning procedures have already been accelerated nationwide, which often leads to a restriction of citizen participation. Mass accommodations in Tegel or Tempelhof are not a permanent solution and hinder the integration of the refugees. Herwarth von Bittenfeld suggests using empty properties like the former city hotel to defuse the situation. These conversions could not only protect resources, but also contribute to the creation of living space.

The discussion about the accommodation of refugees is complex. While some consider the mass accommodation necessary to meet acute needs, experts warn that these solutions are not viable in the long term. Integration into society is crucial and decentralized accommodation could be the key here. "We have to better use the existing infrastructure and integrate people into our community," says Herwarth von Bittenfeld.

an appeal to society

The challenges are enormous and the administration must learn from past mistakes. Herwarth von Bittenfeld is convinced that the majority of the population is willing to discuss migration constructively. "We need more positive stories and strengthening our welcome culture," he demands. Politics should not only react to fears, but also show opportunities and promote an open discussion.

The debate about the accommodation of refugees in Berlin will still keep us busy for a long time. It is time for everyone involved to pull together and find solutions together that meet both the needs of the refugees and the local population. Because ultimately we all benefit from an integrative society in which everyone gets a chance.