Berliners Unite Against Mayor's Plan to Lock Görlitzer Park at Night
‘Görli is our garden’: Berliners fight to stop mayor locking their park at night

Image: The Guardian
Residents of Berlin's Görlitzer Park are rallying against Mayor Kai Wegner's decision to lock the park at night, following a court ruling that keeps it open. Locals argue for better solutions to address drug-related issues instead of a fence, which they see as ineffective and symbolic.
- 01Görlitzer Park, a 14-hectare green space in Kreuzberg, is central to community life, with locals opposing a fence intended to curb drug-related activities.
- 02The fence, costing about €2 million, was installed after a security summit led by Mayor Kai Wegner, who faces criticism for his approach.
- 03Residents report that drug issues have simply moved to surrounding areas, leading to increased problems elsewhere.
- 04Activists argue for better funding for social services rather than the fence, which they view as a political maneuver ahead of upcoming elections.
- 05Community members have organized campaigns to keep the park open, emphasizing its importance for social interaction and accessibility.
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Residents of Berlin's Görlitzer Park are protesting against Mayor Kai Wegner's plan to lock the park at night, a decision that has faced backlash following a recent court ruling allowing it to remain open. Locals, including Monika, a retired psychiatric nurse, emphasize that Görlitzer Park, affectionately known as 'Görli,' serves as a crucial social space for the community. The mayor's initiative, which included a €2 million fence intended to deter drug dealers, has been criticized as ineffective. Many residents argue that the fence merely shifts drug-related problems to nearby areas, with reports of increased issues in surrounding neighborhoods. Activists from the group Görli Zaunfrei advocate for sustainable solutions, such as better funding for social services and addiction support, rather than symbolic measures like the fence. The ongoing debate reflects broader cultural tensions in Berlin, as the park has become a focal point for discussions on urban policy and community welfare. Despite the mayor's plans, residents are determined to keep the park accessible, highlighting its role in their daily lives and advocating for a more inclusive approach.
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The ongoing debate over Görlitzer Park's accessibility affects community cohesion and safety in Kreuzberg.
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