Unrest on the Bohl: How St.Gallen deals with the concerns of its citizens

Unrest on the Bohl: How St.Gallen deals with the concerns of its citizens

One of the concerns in one of the central squares in St.Gallen, the Bohl market square, is the appearance of addicts who often loudly draw attention to themselves. It is not uncommon for passers-by, and especially children, to feel uncomfortable, as a 9-year-old boy reported. “There are such strange people there,” he says of his route to school, which leads past the busy square. A fourteen-year-old girl shares similar fears, especially when she observes drunk people throwing cans. The voices and conflicts among the addicts disturb the quiet moments in the city center.

The city is aware of the situation and the Addiction Support Foundation is in contact with the authorities. However, local reports have shown that there are differing opinions on the state of security in St.Gallen. While security forces are often on hand, Michael Augsburger from the transport company says that although more people have been seen rowdying and drinking, the feedback from passengers has so far been of little concern.

Attention due to loud behavior

It's no secret that numerous addicts have been staying at Bohl for years, often unnoticed by most people who are simply walking through the city. These individuals often look lost, sitting under Calatrava Hall or other locations near Coop City. Sometimes they dance or talk peacefully, but there are also frightening moments, such as loud screaming or aggressive statements.

Sonja Lüthi, the city councilor, made a clear statement on these issues and emphasized: "St.Gallen does not have a security problem. The city is generally safe for its citizens and for visitors." She describes the conspicuous behavior of the marginalized as a small, isolated group that can easily become the center of attention.

Important understanding of addiction problems

Regine Rust, the manager of the Addiction Support Foundation, explains that only some beggars are noticeably loud and that they often suffer from mental illnesses. Drinking alcohol increases their symptoms, which can lead to loud behavior. She emphasizes that understanding people is important for those on the margins and that interactions with one another should be more tolerant. As examples, she cites regularly recurring clients who behave abnormally. In special cases, she recommends contacting the foundation or the police.

Despite the disturbing incidents, there are passers-by who are calm about the situation. A 16-year-old student reports that she only keeps her distance when someone screams. For others, like a senior citizen who comes here regularly, the situation is not a problem. “I've never experienced a problem,” she says. Rust points out that many people with addictions hang out at Bohl because they want to observe life around them, even if they can't afford a seat in a café.

Conflicts or loud arguments can also quickly subside. An incident in which a man loudly attacked a woman ended with him walking off in a huff while the woman simply finished her burger. It remains to be seen how the city will continue to address the situation at Bohl in order to both meet the need for social support and maintain public order.

The city police are closely monitoring what is happening and using preventive measures to control unusual behavior without the need for constant intervention. Rust emphasizes that it is important that the foundation's clients are well looked after and, if necessary, directed to other rooms in order to avoid conflicts in public spaces.