By Stefan Peter
Does this really mean a breakthrough? A security summit on Görlitzer Park and Leopoldplatz on Friday in the Red Town Hall. The measures adopted are mostly well-known suggestions.
After a mass rape in Görli, the governing mayor Kai Wegner (50, CDU) scheduled the summit. With him at the table are five power-conscious women: Interior Senator Iris Spranger (61, SPD), Health Senator Ina Czyborra (57, SPD), Justice Senator Felor Badenberg (48, for CDU) and the town hall bosses of Mitte and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Stefanie Remlinger ( 52, Greens) and Clara Herrmann (38, Greens).
“Everyone is aware of the problem,” said Wegner, praising the group. Because: “The situation as it is today cannot continue! Görlitzer Park is a symbol of ignorance.” People looked the other way “for many, many years.” “That time is now over.”
Security summit in the Red City Hall. On the right in the photo: the governor Kai Wegner, next to him Senator for the Interior Iris Spranger Photo: Sebastian Christoph Gollnow/dpa
A “measures paper” lists what the Senate and districts now want to do to change the situation in Görli and Leo:
► Bushes and trees are trimmed “to create visual axes”. It is unclear whether the districts or the Senate pay for this
► Görlitzer Park will be completely fenced off and locked at night – the specific closing times have not been set, the district is against it anyway. “It’s still a bit unwieldy,” admits Spranger. It is also unclear how much the fence will cost, whether the Senate or districts will finance it and when it will even be erected. “Not until 2025,” says Wegner
Police officers repeatedly check suspected drug dealers in Görlitzer Park. Almost all of them come from Africa Photo: Christian Lohse
► Mobile video surveillance – but only “event-related”
► Permanent public prosecutors are assigned to crime-ridden locations. Legal requirements for up to five days of preventive detention are being prepared
► More lighting, more police patrols. Advising landlords on how to better secure house entrances to prevent drug trafficking and use in yards and hallways
Drug mobiles and “outreach social work” are also used to help addicts. In addition, staffed toilets are to be opened at Görli and Leo. There should be restaurants and more sports facilities in the park.
Wegner promises: “The Senate shares responsibility, we will not leave the districts alone.” Discussions will be held “promptly” about “who brings in how much money.” After the summit, the work only begins.
The ruler’s credo: “We must now lay the foundations so that Berliners can take back Görlitzer Park.” Should the two Green district mayors cross paths, Wegner threatens: “The Senate is also prepared to go down this path alone!”