City Matters #4: The Görli Anti-Drug-Fence and the Quest for more Order
Berlin might appear to be super liberal on drug matters, but the different political and civic groups argue about the proposal to fence Görlitzer Park. The debate over the fence extends beyond the park's boundaries, touching on broader questions of public safety, social equity, and the role of law enforcement. While some see the fence as a necessary step to address a pressing issue, others view it as a symbol of failed policies and a missed opportunity for a more compassionate approach. The decision about the construction of a fence is due soon.
Even though I usually don’t spend time around Görlitzer Park, I follow the developments, because I believe that whatever might come next, it could be used as a blueprint for other drug hubs in town.
The big picture here is: Berlin’s citizens and authorities have clashing views and values regarding the tolerance of rough, edgy behavior and the need for state intervention. I found two current examples of this clash. I hope you’ll enjoy the edition!
Take care,
Alice
The Görli Fence: To Build or Not to Build?
A proposed fence around Görlitzer Park, a notorious hub for drug activity in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, has ignited a heated debate that reflects deeper divisions within the city's approach to drug policy. Let’s break down who is fighting against whom and why the topic carries so much meaning.
Drugs, crime, and violence: The logic of the fence proponents
The park has long been associated with open drug use and trade, primarily marijuana in the past, but increasingly harder drugs like crack and heroin. A rise in crime has intensified calls for action. Proponents of the fence argue it would create a safer environment for residents and visitors, particularly at night when the park would be closed.
Last year, an alleged rape case shocked the neighborhood and the authorities. A Georgian woman claimed that she had been raped by three men from Somalia, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau in the park – all of them rejected asylum seekers, all of them drug dealers. Due to inconsistencies in the accusation of the alleged victim, nobody has been convicted of perpetrating the crime.
However, Berlin’s mayor Kai Wegner decided to push for a fence around the park with a gate that could be locked and guarded at night. A local neighborhood initiative (“Anwohnergruppe Kiezmarkthalle”) supports the idea of a fence, as they view it as a new, untested idea that might reduce crime and the presence of the drug scene.
Fear of increased neighborhood crime: The view of the fence critics
There are plenty of critics of the fence idea. While many acknowledge that crime and drug use are problematic, they disagree on the means to curb drug use. Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain’s district mayor Clara Herrmann told Tagesspiegel that she opts for an “accepting drug policy.” She fears that a fence wouldn’t reduce drug trade and the presence of consumers, but it would push it into the more residential areas surrounding the park. Additionally, she asks to use the money for the construction and maintenance of a fence for social workers and safe options for addicts. She doesn’t believe that a fence would reduce drug consumption.
The neighborhood initiative “Görli zaunfrei” (Görli fence-free) fears that a fence is an unnecessary state intervention into public spaces, and they criticize potential racist motives against drug dealers. In their view, people end up as drug dealers due to a lack of alternatives to make a living. On June 21st, a concert with the motto “Rave against the Zaun” (Zaun meaning fence) took place with the popular rap group K.I.Z. performing as a stance against a fence.
Most people don’t believe in the use of a fence: A survey conducted in September 2023 by Berliner Morgenpost revealed that one third of the Berliners believe that a fence would reduce the issues in the park, while 59 percent doubt the effectiveness.
Waiting for the Administrative Court’s decision
As with many things, the fence is also a legal and bureaucratic matter. In Berlin, the districts have the authority to decide over many topics – like fences around parks. Kreuzberg’s mayor Herrmann therefore blocked the city mayor Wegner’s proposal to start building a fence as soon as possible. However, there are legal loopholes that allow the city’s senate – and therefore the mayor – to overrule the will of the districts. Currently, everybody is waiting for the Administrative Court decision in favor of or against the fence. In case the legal authorities rule that building a fence is permitted, activists have announced protests on “Day Z” – the day when the first constructions shall begin.
My personal take: I have a big problem with Berlin’s illegal drug scene. It’s not fun and games anymore with crack and other hard drugs spilling over. Both consumers and dealers are frightening to me, and I would hope for a proper solution – yet, I don’t see what could realistically be implemented. The police are clearly overwhelmed with the illegal drug swamp, and addicts don’t receive proper care and treatment. I’m not even sure if more funding would help, as the desire to consume drugs won’t simply subside. I’m torn. What about you? How do you feel about this issue?
More order in town?
Berlin's reputation for unbridled freedom and hedonism is legendary. From its wild nightlife to its anything-goes attitude, the city has long been a magnet for those seeking to escape the confines of convention. But as Berlin grows and evolves, the realities of urban life are clashing with its free-wheeling spirit, forcing residents and officials to grapple with how to maintain the city's unique character while ensuring livability for all.
Two recent examples highlight this ongoing tension: the battle over noise in the once-edgy neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg, and the growing problem of littering and illegal dumping in several districts.
Prenzlauer Berg might become more quiet. Believe it or not, in the 1990s, it used to be one of the rougher neighborhoods with occupied apartment buildings and an edgy nightlife. Those days are long gone, and over the years, bars and clubs have been steadily disappearing. Tagesspiegel reports that the citizens' initiative "Mach mal halblaut" (a wordplay which means "Come off it!") has filed action for failure to act. Their issue is the nightly noise at one of the few lively corners of Prenzlauer Berg: Oderberger Straße/ Kastanienallee (close to Mauerpark). Due to the noise, bars and cafés must remove outdoor seating areas at 10 p.m.
Littering and trash have been growing issues in some neighborhoods for a few years. Old couches, dining tables, mattresses—some people carelessly leave their old furniture on the streets. The removal of such items costs 10 million euros annually. During the pandemic, there was a significant jump in bulky trash: The amount jumped from 32.000 cubic meters in 2019 to 40.000 cubic meters in 2022. It's mind-boggling to me how people can be casual about throwing their trash away on the streets. Yet it seems that a threshold has been passed which emboldens more citizens to follow suit. It's a costly annoyance. According to rbb, the Christian Democratic party (CDU) is considering setting up cameras in areas where furniture has repeatedly been abandoned. The party additionally proposed increased fines and asks for personnel to monitor nightly activities.
Berlin's struggle to balance freedom with order is not unique. Cities around the world are grappling with similar challenges as they try to maintain their unique identities while addressing the needs of their residents. As the city continues to evolve, the question remains: Can the city preserve its rebellious spirit while creating a more livable and sustainable future for all?