Festive naturalisation ceremony in Chemnitz town hall
Lord Mayor welcomes 34 newly naturalised citizens of Chemnitz
At today's naturalisation ceremony, Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig warmly welcomed the Chemnitz citizens who were naturalised last year to the city hall, who had accepted the city's invitation to the ceremony in the City Council Chamber and the historic Wandelhalle of Chemnitz City Hall.
The naturalisation ceremony for the new citizens was attended by the Chairwoman of the Jewish Community, Dr Ruth Röcher, Etelka Kobuß, the city's Commissioner for Foreigners, Pedro Martin Montero Perez, Chairman of the city's Foreigners' Advisory Council, and representatives of the City of Chemnitz.
With the invitation to the town hall, the Lord Mayor warmly welcomes the new Chemnitz residents to the city. Lord Mayor Barbara Ludwig: "The festive naturalisation ceremony at Chemnitz City Hall has now become a tradition. This is the fifth time we have welcomed our new citizens here and used this opportunity to get to know each other and engage in dialogue. Immigration strengthens our city. In addition to skilled workers, the newly naturalised children also ensure growth in the city. It is therefore important to continue to welcome the refugees arriving here and - if they settle here - to offer them good professional and social prospects."
34 people from Neuchemnitz accepted the invitation to the naturalisation ceremony in the town hall. The 154 women, men, children and young people naturalised last year come from the following countries of origin: Russian Federation, Poland, Somalia, Moldova, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Iran, Guinea, Congo, Dom. Republic, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Bolivia and Nigeria. Six children were among the 34 participants at the naturalisation ceremony.
In addition to a cosy coffee at a festively decorated coffee table in the historic Wandelhalle with cakes, pastries, cocktail skewers and fruit, the guests received small gifts to commemorate the ceremony: For the adults, these included a gift pack of fair-trade Chemnitz coffee, Chemnitz chocolate and an annual voucher for borrowing books from Chemnitz City Library, while for the children there was a model of the park railway to make their own, a Chemnitz drinking bottle and a guide to the town hall for children.
The musical opening programme was provided by the Mozart children of the Sächsische Mozartgesellschaft e.V. with their string ensemble. After the mayor welcomed the Neuchemnitz residents, two naturalised Chemnitz residents spoke about their experiences in their new home. Finally, the guests were able to take part in a guided tour of the Town Hall, including the City Council Chamber, Green Parlour, Council Chamber and High Tower.