Chancellor's On-Site Appearance - Tech-savvy and sausage soiree: Scholz explores the Ruhr region
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is scheduled to visit the Ruhr region on Monday. His itinerary includes stops at the Marl chemical park, the old Opel site in Bochum, and Castrop-Rauxel, as reported by the press office.
The main focus of this trip to the now-coal-free industrial region, which officially ceased coal mining at the end of 2018, is transformation. In Bochum, Scholz will visit the "Innovation Quarter Mark 51°7" on the former Opel site, considered one of the most successful regeneration projects in the region, a "success story that echoes beyond Bochum," as a city representative stated.
Invitations to the visit were extended by various individuals, including Bochum's mayor Thomas Eiskirch (SPD) and former NRW economics minister Garrelt Duin, who has led the Ruhr Regional Association since the spring.
Major Turnaround at the Old Opel Plant
By the end of 2014, production had ceased at the Bochum site, leading to the loss of around 2,500 jobs. Today, the former Opel headquarters now stands prominently with the letters "O-Werk." The city has invested numerous millions of euros into the renovation and development of the 70-hectare site in collaboration with the state and the involvement of the car manufacturer. Currently, around 3,500 people work there, and the city plans to add up to 10,000 jobs in the future. Scholz is anticipated to check out a center resulting from Ruhr University Bochum, where advanced drones and laser manufacturing are showcased. Another attraction is Volkswagen Infotainment GmbH, specializing in software development and vehicle connectivity, and supplying numerous VW vehicles.
The Chancellor's visit commences at the Marl chemical park, one of the largest chemical facilities in Germany, spanning over six square kilometers, and providing employment for approximately 10,000 individuals. Plans include a stop at an artificial photosynthesis facility in development by Evonik in partnership with Siemens, as an Evonik spokesperson confirmed.
Transformation with Limited Resources
In the evening, Scholz will head to Castrop-Rauxel, where SPD mayor Rajko Kravanja intends to address the challenges faced by the economically disadvantaged region along with the mandatory entry into the Golden Book. Kravanja emphasizes that his city serves as a "symbol of transformation for others amid chronically empty budgets." He stresses the necessity of expanding kindergarten spots and high schools to promote cohesion, fearing that the city is currently "overwhelmed."
Relaxation with a Barbecue
After a long day of activities, the Chancellor will unwind at a community garden in Castrop-Rauxel, which won a gold medal at the state competition in 2021, according to the city. Scholz is set to engage in discussions with gardeners. Following the meeting, a joint barbecue is planned, as announced.
After visiting the Marl chemical park, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will head to Bochum, a city in Germany where his itinerary includes the old Opel site.
Over 3,500 people currently work at the former Opel headquarters in Bochum, a site that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to visit during his trip to Germany.
