Cologne in the crisis: Homeless and aggressive begging are unsettling citizens!

Cologne in the crisis: Homeless and aggressive begging are unsettling citizens!

Köln, Deutschland - The homeless problem in Cologne has increasingly moved the minds of the citizens in recent months. Numerous submissions on this topic reached the editorial team of Express.de, such as Express . The reports include urgent descriptions of passing citizens who encounter the sometimes aggressive behavior of homeless people.

A reader, Maria T., describes that she was watching a homeless person at Pentecost who lives on a bench on the Rautenstrauch Canal. This reacted aggressively when one addressed him what strollers found annoying. Maria also criticized the unauthorized use of parking spaces and the lack of toilets, which led to an unpleasant smell and a littering in the area. Another city dweller expressed resentment about the behavior of a homeless, to whom he bought water, and noted that the begging now often appears very organized.

growing begging and social problems

The general begging also increases in Cologne, such as "https://www.rundschau-online.de/koeln/extremeauswuechse-Mehr- Mehr- and-Aggressions-bett-in-koeln-291806"> Rundschau online . District Mayor Andreas Hupke describes the situation as an "extreme excesses" and calls for a common action in society. He suggests founding a task force to provide professional help for alcoholic and drug addicts.

The city of Cologne already offers a comprehensive auxiliary system with eight contact and advice centers. A drug consumption room on the Neumarkt also provides health and exit aids. Nevertheless, these help offers are subject to the reservation that they cannot be enforced against the will of those affected. This often means that homeless people stay in busy streets, where they can cover their existential needs by collecting bottles or donations.

reactions of society

The debate about homelessness has also triggered emotional reactions. Readers like Iris K. appeal to humanity and criticize the negative reporting. It demands that people to give something in need and speaks of "divine justice" or "karma" in connection with the support for homeless people.

A worrying incident illustrates the drama of the situation: a 63-year-old homeless person died in front of the Odeon cinema. These and similar events cause emotional reactions to residents and business people. Parents now avoid strongly frequented places such as Chlodwigplatz due to aggressive begging.

The Südstadt interest group urgently calls for an overall concept to improve the situation. Alice Baker, the spokeswoman for this community of interests, is alerted by the development in Cologne and their effects on tourists and business people.

A new concept that is intended to expand the work of the four street workers and experts in addiction to addiction is being planned. The topic remains on the city's agenda and in public discussion, while the people in Cologne struggle for a solution to the complex problems.