"Acting together": Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig presents seven-point plan
Mayor Barbara Ludwig today presented a seven-point plan to the city council entitled "Acting together". It is the response to the events at the end of August and the result of feedback from citizens. The aim is good, peaceful coexistence in our city - through more security, dialogue and integration.
1. security partnership for Chemnitz
The city and the Free State are partners for security in Chemnitz. More police officers and more city law enforcement officers will ensure greater security and order in Chemnitz. In addition to the mobile police station and video surveillance in the city centre, the aim is to enforce compliance with our rules throughout the city with a greater presence. The Crime Prevention Council and the Citizens' Advisory Council on Security are part of the security partnership.
2. dialogue as a matter of course
Citizens of different generations and political views overcome divides within urban society by entering into dialogue on specific projects and shaping these projects together.
Citizen participation will be an integral part of the decision-making process for key concepts and plans in the city - dialogue is part of our self-image. In all formats, existing and new, we are focussing on more exchange. In their twelfth year, the municipal residents' assemblies will focus even more on dialogue from 2019. The interests of the city's neighbourhoods can be better represented via citizens' platforms.
3 A strong international university
The Chemnitz region needs a strong, growing, international university. The Free State is providing the necessary funding for this. Our research institutions and export-orientated industry need this university development in order to continue to be successful. The university is the driving force in teaching, research, transfer and further education.
4 Chemnitz - an open city
We are traditionally good hosts. Local players are already successful event organisers. They should continue to be supported.
We show guests and the media the potential of our city at a series of major events.
5 How do we want to live together?
The answer to the question of how we want to live together in the future will be discussed and worked out with the people of Chemnitz over the next few months as part of the Capital of Culture application process. We will also talk about how Chemnitz became what it is today. With all its ups and downs, strengths and weaknesses.
6 Rights and duties of integration
Many integration measures are underway. But still too few migrants find work. With the right to asylum comes the duty to make a contribution to society. The federal, state and local authorities are finally setting the course so that all migrants who are able to work are enabled and obliged to integrate into the labour market. Those who have the opportunity and do not take advantage of it must expect sanctions.
7 Learning and living democracy
Democracy cannot be taken for granted. Democracy is a process of negotiation and learning on the basis of the Basic Law. We find formats for exchange and negotiate the rules of discussion so that dialogue becomes possible. Projects and initiatives that promote democracy education, e.g. in schools, adult education centres, neighbourhoods, theatres, museums, sports and companies, are reliably supported. The federal and state governments will provide the resources for this alongside the city.