Cologne in distress: Mauritius Church becomes a drug hell – citizens raise the alarm!

Cologne in distress: Mauritius Church becomes a drug hell – citizens raise the alarm!

In Cologne, citizens' concerns are great, especially when it comes to the rapid deterioration of public order and security. A survey by the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger” revealed that many Cologne residents are dissatisfied with the work of Mayor Henriette Reker. Reader Peter H. particularly vividly describes the unfortunate conditions around the Mauritius Church near Neumarkt. The parish there is not only struggling with the deterioration of the building, but also with a significant increase in drug use and the associated garbage, feces and drug residue that contaminate the surrounding area on a daily basis. “The public order office cannot simply ignore this,” says Peter H., criticizing the authorities’ lack of intervention. However, the problems do not appear to be isolated, but rather part of a larger problem that affects the entire city.

What are the causes of this pressing issue? The mayor herself speaks of an “increasing neglect” in the city and complains in an interview about the challenges caused, in particular, by vacancies in the public order office. Despite positive aspects, such as digitalization and the successful handling of the Corona crisis, Reker recognizes that public safety is at risk. There are also political discussions about the right strategy for dealing with the homeless and drug addicts. While some cities are trying to drive this group out of the city center, Cologne is taking a different approach that is not without controversy.

The call for change

Henriette Reker will no longer run in the coming elections. After ten years in office, she makes it clear that the search for a suitable successor is still ongoing. Overall, the election will take place on September 14th. Reker, who was seriously injured in a right-wing extremist attack during the first election campaign in 2015, points to the diversity in Cologne, which is characterized by 180 nations and 130 religious communities. Her fellow politicians, including the CDU council group, support her appeal for a more decisive fight against the city's drug scenes.

But it's not just her critics who have their say. Berivan Aymaz from the Greens also recognizes a problem, but advocates for social measures to solve the challenges. In their opinion, more commitment is needed instead of complaining about limited scope for action. Reker herself said that she is often confronted with responsibility for defects for which she is not responsible. In a city characterized by resignation and frustration, the question arises as to whether the political proposals are enough to put a stop to the misery.

A call to action

As the discussion about drug scenes and public safety continues to simmer in Cologne, the need to intervene on site is becoming more and more urgent. “It is time to find the courage and take action,” emphasizes Peter H. in his appeal to citizens to report injustices in Cologne. Is it perhaps time for not only politicians, but also the people of Cologne themselves to stand up and campaign together for a better city?

The results of this dynamic of concerns, political pressure and citizen engagement will be crucial in the coming months. The next steps must be carefully considered and implemented promptly in order to free Cologne from drug hell.