Defying the Fence: Protest and Dance in the Heart of Görlitzer Park
Demonstration in Görlitzer Park opposing the planned fence installation - Public Gathering and Controversial Event Holding in Görlitzer Park, Centering Around Fencing Matters
In the pulsating heart of Berlin-Kreuzberg, a battle of wills is unfolding. The proposed construction of a fence around Görlitzer Park has roused a wave of resistance, with demonstrations and lively parties sweeping through its lush landscape.
- *
The inciting incident: The erection of a fence, a contentious move by the city's ruling CDU and SPD coalition, aiming to curb drug trafficking and violent crime in the park, as announced in 2023. Critics, however, accuse this decision of being a mere ploy that displaces the park's problems into adjacent residential areas, snatching away a cherished public space from the locals.
A cacophony of discord pervades the air, with opponents labeling the fence as "populist and racist," arguing that it serves to exacerbate social issues rather than alleviate them. Proponents of the park maintain that the fence is an essential step towards maintaining a peaceful and drug-free environment for all to enjoy.
- *
As tensions mount, demonstrations and protests emerge as creative expressions of opposition. The weekend of June 17, 2025, saw the debut of a "Rave against the Fence" party, with techno beats echoing through the park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. This was followed by another dance protest event on the subsequent Saturday, featuring a "legendary secret act" commencing at 3:30 p.m. Closing this week of street-level resistance, the "Day Z - Keep Görli Open" demonstration was held on the evening of June 17 at Spreewaldplatz, a stone's throw from the park.
The construction site for the fence is slated to be set up and secured at the start of the following week, with the insertion of gaps in the existing park wall and the installation of gates planned to last until the end of the year. The police have been enlisted to ensure the security of the construction process.
- *
In the heart of Kreuzberg, a historic and vibrant neighborhood, this struggle remains entangled in a broader cultural and political debate. The opposition marshals musical and cultural events to peacefully oppose the fencing, upholding the park's uninhibited access as a cherished cornerstone of the community.
In the midst of this cultural and political debate, the conflict over the proposed fence at Görlitzer Park is heavily influenced by both community policy and general-news politics. The proposed fence, aimed at curbing crime, has sparked criticisms regarding displacement and racial undertones, being labelled as "populist and racist" by opponents. On the other hand, proponents argue that the fence is necessary for maintaining a peaceful environment, making it a contentious issue in the employment policy discourse, as the city's ruling CDU and SPD coalition and various community groups voice their differing viewpoints.
