KREUZBERG — Berlin state authorities approved the overnight closure of Görlitzer Park in the Kreuzberg district to address local drug dealing. This initiative included the installation of a metal perimeter fence with 16 gates at an approximate cost of €2 million, which became operational on 1 March.
A court subsequently ruled that the park gates must remain open 24 hours a day. The court determined that the installation of the fence conflicted with the authority of the local district council responsible for the park. Following this ruling, Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner stated that the city administration would appeal the interim court decision.
Wegner said in 2023, "We must, in the literal sense, take back control of Görlitzer Park." Wegner also stated that a September mayoral election would focus on his pledge to reduce crime in the city. Görlitzer Park covers an area of 14 hectares. Residents of the area had reported finding used syringes and human feces in playground sandpits within the park, and women had reported experiencing abuse in the park area.
Critics, including Monika, a retired psychiatric nurse and member of Görli Zaunfrei, raised concerns about the fence. Monika said, "A fence doesn’t solve any problems, it just moves them elsewhere." Reports indicate that drug-related activity has moved to surrounding residential streets since the park restrictions began, with individuals observed sleeping in stairwells and doorways of nearby apartment buildings and kindergartens. She said, "Görli is where we socialise and where my daughter grew up."
Judith, a teacher and Görli Zaunfrei member, also criticized the measure. Judith said, "A fence around Görli was never anything more than symbol politics – an election campaign gift for CDU voters in the suburbs." Judith added, "He himself has nothing to lose in Kreuzberg, where the CDU hardly stands a chance politically." Monika said, "We are making the most of the situation in the meantime."