Berlin Erects Fence in Front of Reichstag to Combat Drug Trade

In the heart of Berlin, on the square in front of the historic Reichstag building, construction is underway on a two-meter-high fence. It is intended to serve as a barrier against drug dealers who have dominated this prestigious public space for years. However, the idea from the city authorities and parliamentary administration has sparked a heated debate, extending beyond public order issues and touching on the symbolic dimension of open democracy. The plan includes not only the fence itself but also the installation of four drawbridges, which will be closed at night. The goal is to physically restrict access to the area after dark, when the drug trade problem intensifies. These actions are a response to years of complaints from residents, tourists, and parliamentarians themselves about crime and neglect in this area. Critics of the project, however, point out that this is a temporary and superficial solution. Politicians from the opposition Left Party, such as Clara Büning, have called the fence a "symbolic mistake" that does not address the root causes of the problem, such as a lack of police funding and an ineffective social care system for addicts. The square in front of the Reichstag, known as Platz der Republik, has for decades been a place for gatherings and protests, closely linked to German democratic history. The parliament building itself, restored after German reunification with a new glass dome, has become a symbol of governmental transparency and openness. Supporters of the construction, including representatives of the parliamentary administration (Bundestagsverwaltung), emphasize the urgent need to restore safety and order. They argue that previous measures, such as increased police patrols, have proven insufficient. The problem is not only drugs but also vandalism and a sense of threat among those visiting parliament. In the background of the dispute lies the question of Berlin's image as a tolerant and open metropolis. Opponents fear that the city, known for its liberal approach, is beginning to close itself off, opting for simple infrastructural solutions instead of comprehensive social policy. The implementation of the investment, whose cost has not yet been publicly disclosed, has already begun. It is unclear whether the fence is permanent or temporary. The decision was made after months of deliberations between city authorities and the Bundestag administration, which agreed that the situation required immediate intervention. The debate on this topic reflects a broader tension in German politics between immediate security measures and long-term, costly systemic reforms. Meanwhile, for residents and observers, the fence in front of the Reichstag may long remain a visible sign of these difficult choices.