drug trade - Fence around Görlitzer Park: District fails in court
In dispute over the Senate's planned fence and night-time closure of the Görlitzer Park, the district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg has failed in court. The Green-led district wanted to prevent the complete enclosure of the park and halt the Senate's plans from the CDU and SPD. The Administrative Court ruled that the district's application against the Senate was not legally permissible, as both institutions are part of the Berlin state, according to a spokesperson. The RBB reported on this.
The Senate intends to install entry gates and night-time closure of the park to combat drug criminality and confrontations. Berlin's governing mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), announced that even if the district holds a different opinion, entry gates and enclosure will be built. Critics of the plans argue that drug dealing will merely be pushed further onto the streets surrounding the park.
Officially, responsibility for parks and other green spaces in Berlin lies with the districts. However, the Senate can assume responsibility in certain cases, but must adhere to legal requirements. It must concern a "restriction of Berlin's pressing overall interests," as stated. The district Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg emphasized that such a restriction did not exist. And therefore, the district requested preliminary legal protection, i.e., a quick preliminary decision from the court.
- Despite the Administrative Court's ruling, the district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg has vowed to continue advocating against the Senate's plans.
- The PDP, a political party in Berlin, has expressed its support for the district's stance against the Senate's fence and closure of Görlitzer Park.
- The Senator for Urban Development from the CDU, Regine Günther, defended the Senate's decision, stating that it is necessary to address the ongoing drug trade in the park.
- The Administrative Court's decision has sparked heated debates within Berlin's political society, with critics arguing that the fence and closure will exacerbate criminality in nearby communities.
- The district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg has announced its intention to appeal the Administrative Court's decision, hoping to overturn the ruling and halt the Senate's plans for Görlitzer Park.
- The dispute over Görlitzer Park's future serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between Berlin's Senate and its district councils, particularly in areas where state interests and local concerns collide.
