City hall location under fire: Citizens' decision in danger!

City hall location under fire: Citizens' decision in danger!

In Wilhelmshaven, the air is bubbling! The planned citizens' decision on the controversial location of the new town hall at the Pumpwerk Park is on the brink. Over 62,000 citizens are called to hand over their vote on December 1st, but the city administration could draw a strict conclusion at short notice. An application for advice that will vote on Tuesday, October 29, demands the final termination of all plans to the city hall and could blow up the citizens' decision!

The group "The Colorful" had brought the application that says: "The city council decides to end the planning for the construction of a city hall in the area of the pumping station park. The new building is no longer pursued; a citizens' decision is no longer carried out." This decision should have been made last Wednesday, but the council meeting was canceled due to the advanced time. The spectators in the council hall are now experiencing an increasingly exciting drama that puts the citizen participation in the city to the test!

political turbulence and angry reactions

The SPD is horrified by this attack on citizen participation. The SPD councilor Marvin Hager criticizes the reason that the costs for the citizens' decision are not sustainable. "It has always been clear that a citizens' decision needed active funds. These expenses were approved by the council!" Scolds Hager. The allegation that the city wants to incapacitate the citizens with this financial argument is loudly raised. The understanding of democracy is questioned here!

Detlef Schön, the SPD parliamentary group leader, cannot be intimidated: "Citizen participation is essential! Anyone who disturbs the costs of a citizens' decision questions the democratic principle." He also speaks of a "incapacitation of the citizens"! In addition, the transfer process of the voting notifications has already incurred irreparable costs. "The people who have signed for the citizens' petition have to appear out if their decision is simply smashed!" Says Hager.

It remains to be seen whether the application will actually be voted on Tuesday. The SPD is considering submitting an application for non -coverage. The tension increases and the coming days could be crucial for the future of the city of Wilhelmshaven!