Renaming Mohrenstraße against the will of the residents is activism with a political tinge, says BZ editor Stefan Peter Photo: dpa/picture-alliance
By Stephen Peter
The verdict has been pronounced, but the discussion continues. Even if the judge finds the planned renaming of Mohrenstraße to be legal, the politicians in the Mitte district have by no means acted properly.
For a long time it was no longer just a question of whether the word Mohr is racist or not. It’s about the residents’ denied right to have a say.
The new name was decided “from above”, other suggestions were not asked. And even worse: When more than 1000 people objected to the renaming, the district office boldly threatened them with an administration fee of up to 741 euros!
Activists determined the direction of march, Greens and SPD subordinated themselves.
It is this disregard for the citizens’ will and thus ultimately the undermining of democratic participation that not only annoys the local residents. This is exactly how political frustration arises, which is reflected in surveys with corresponding results.