Catastrophic conditions in Rostock's shopping centers - who will save us?

Catastrophic conditions in Rostock's shopping centers - who will save us?

In Rostock, the conditions in the Südstadt-Center and Klenow Tor continue to cause concern. How Uckermark courier reported that there was no solution to the pressing problems at the most recent town hall meeting. The owner, Ionnis Moraitis, failed to pay the bills despite repeated reminders, which resulted in the district heating being turned off.

Citizens complain about vandalism, unsanitary conditions and a lack of fire protection. These grievances were discussed by various factions in the citizenry. The Left in particular called for a municipally supported acquisition initiative that should be prepared for possible compulsory auctions in the event of the owner's bankruptcy. But this motion did not find a majority among the citizens.

Group opinions and solutions

Julia Kristin Pittasch from the FDP spoke out against expropriation or purchase of the properties by the city. She argued that a takeover removes responsibility from the owner. Sybille Bachmann, who speaks for the Rostock Federation, added that there is currently no foreclosure auction and that the city is not a real estate agent. On the other hand, Uwe Michaelis from the SPD is skeptical about the prospects of an employment initiative and sees little chance of improvement.

The Greens expressed support for the Left, but noted that the situation cannot change overnight. A request from the CDU to provide replacement premises for medical facilities was also rejected. The CDU's Chris Günther reported resignations of doctors leaving the centers, while Michaelis expressed concerns that doctors would not return.

Testing and measures for improvement

As the Left states in its press release, the conditions in the two centers are alarming. The group is calling for a legal examination of the properties as well as measures to secure and renovate them. Denunciations refer, among other things, to mountains of garbage, rat infestations and defective sanitary facilities. To this end, it is also necessary to clarify financial responsibility, as the project on digital services of general interest makes clear, which addresses municipal services of general interest and corresponding financing. Rostock Left Party emphasizes that public safety and order must be a high priority.

The discussion about improving conditions in Rostock's shopping centers reflects a larger problem: digital public services are becoming increasingly important for municipalities and municipal companies. This development is also important for solving the problems in shopping centers, as the establishment of digital services could be crucial for improving the quality of life on site. It remains to be seen whether and how quickly this situation will turn positive.