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Violent dispute over Greitemann: Kaufhof headquarters causes a stir!
Debate about the former Kaufhof headquarters in Cologne: Criticism of building department head Greitemann before the mayoral election, focus on high costs.
Violent dispute over Greitemann: Kaufhof headquarters causes a stir!
Cologne's political landscape is currently dominated by a heated debate surrounding the former Kaufhof headquarters on Leonhard-Tietz-Straße. The focus of the dispute is the head of the building department, Markus Greitemann (CDU), who sees himself being criticized by his political opponents as he prepares for the local elections on September 14th. Review online reports that the Social Democrats in particular are clearly pointing out Greitemann's failure. SPD parliamentary group leader Christian Joisten accuses him of “failure” to the detriment of the city, while SPD co-party leader Andre Schirmer describes him as “unsuitable” for the city’s highest office.
The situation at the Kaufhof headquarters is indeed precarious. The renovation of the building, which was originally scheduled to begin in January 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025, is not progressing. In addition, the rent of 19.70 euros per square meter is said to be an “attractive condition”. However, the city has not yet approved the costs of the renovation, which have now risen to 50 million euros. The city council has not yet approved this special payment. Greitemann had already asked for approval for the controversial renovation in April.
High rental costs and lost millions
In total, the city is expected to pay more than 300 million euros to rent the property over the next 25 years. Swiss Life, the owner, is claiming loss of rent amounting to 15 million euros. City director Andrea Blome and Greitemann are leading negotiations with the landlord, but the SPD accuses Greitemann of having caused the city millions in damages. The debate is described as heated and is in the context of the upcoming mayoral elections, as well Report-K emphasized.
The CDU vehemently defends Greitemann and speaks of “insinuations” from the opposition. CDU parliamentary group leader Bernd Petelkau emphasizes that the decision to rent was made with the involvement of all political committees. Greitemann himself rejects all allegations and emphasizes the transparency in the process.
Greens are setting clear trends for the future
For the Cologne Greens, the issues of sustainability and sustainable urban development are in the foreground, as can be seen from their current election program. Although a lot is aimed at urban development, the discussion about the Kaufhof headquarters could also be included in the Greens' considerations. Your program comprises a total of 96 pages, which cover topics such as the expansion of renewable energies and a fair economy. The Greens are committed to bold, progressive politics to make Cologne a city worth living in for everyone, regardless of origin or social status. This commitment was decided on at a district membership meeting back in March and shows the clear direction the party wants to take, as stated on its website Green Cologne present.
In the shadow of these political disputes, the question remains as to how the situation around the former Kaufhof headquarters will develop. While the SPD and the Greens are pushing for more responsible politics, Greitemann sees himself as having the task of enabling his party to have a positive election campaign. It remains to be seen how the citizens of Cologne will react to these heated debates and what impact they could have on the upcoming elections.