Focus on Leopoldplatz - Remlinger: Continuing funding against drug-related crime
The District Mayor of Berlin-Mitte, Stefanie Remlinger, has called for an extension of funds to combat drug criminality. Many involved parties are disappointed that projects are once again at risk, shortly after they had properly started, stated the Green politician at a visit of the Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) at the Leopoldplatz, which is known as a hotspot for the drug scene.
The first funding from the state flowed to Remlinger roughly three weeks ago, following a so-called Security Summit last year, which decided on measures at the Leopoldplatz. A total of 1.2 million Euros are available for this year. When the money for 2025 will be available is still open. "We cannot be satisfied with this situation."
Drug Problem at Leopoldplatz
The Leopoldplatz in Wedding is, besides the Gorlitzer Park in Kreuzberg, a major drug trading place. Here, in particular, the consumption of crack is a significant and, according to local experts, growing problem. At the "Security Summit" in September 2023, the Senate, districts, and other involved parties agreed on extensive measures to make the areas safer and help drug-addicted people.
On the Leopoldplatz, there is now increased police presence, as well as a counseling container with social workers, a drug consumption room, and other offers for addicts. The playground was separated from the area where people take drugs through architectural changes.
Remlinger plans further measures
According to Remlinger's statements, the district went into preliminary planning for several measures despite initially lacking state funding. Among the planned projects, she mentioned the idea of a daycare center, where addicts could shower as an example, and the improvement of toilets. The goal is to increase living quality for all citizens on the square, for example, through cultural offers.
Wegner said that in the fight against drug trafficking, a mix of prevention, social offers, and repression is necessary at the Leopoldplatz. On the one hand, addicts need help to break free from the drug spiral. However, it is also essential to have more police presence. "This is a beautiful place for the people who live here, and they should use this place for families and enjoy time and relaxation, away from the urban chaos of a big city." Currently, the square is being avoided by many people. "We need to change that."
- The subsidy money allocated for combating drug-related crime at Leopoldplatz has been a vital resource, facilitating initiatives such as increased police presence and the establishment of a drug consumption room.
- Kai Wegner, the Governing Mayor of Berlin, has shown support for Stefanie Remlinger's efforts to curb drug-related crime in the Leopoldplatz area, recognizing it as a crucial hotspot in Berlin.
- The CDU-led Senate in Germany has acknowledged the importance of addressing drug issues in Berlin's Districts, with Leopoldplatz serving as a significant example of drug-related crime.
- The drug problem in Leopoldplatz, primarily characterized by the consumption of crack, continues to grow, prompting calls from local experts and politicians for comprehensive measures.
- Stefanie Remlinger, the District Mayor of Berlin-Mitte, has highlighted the need for additional subsidy money to implement long-term solutions, including proposed projects like a daycare center for addicts and improved public facilities.
- As a response to the drug crisis in Leopoldplatz, Berlin's senate, along with various districts and involved parties, have committed to a comprehensive approach, combatting drug trafficking through a mix of prevention, social support, and repressive measures.
- Local addicts, according to Remlinger, have expressed urgent needs for social offers, such as shower facilities, as well as improved living standards, like cultural offerings, to help them break free from the drug spiral and rediscover the value of Leopoldplatz as a communal space.
