Recently, for example, there was a demand to change Zaporizhjestrasse to Zaporizhschjastrasse in order to switch from Russian to Ukrainian spelling. In addition, there is currently a petition from the cultural association “Die Fabrikanten”, which, in honor of the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, is campaigning for the Steingasse to be renamed Wittgensteingasse.
Street renaming is also a topic in the context of the Linz historian’s report, which should be available at the end of November. As reported, its completion has been delayed due to the pandemic. Under the direction of City Archive Director Walter Schuster, the extent to which the namesake of the streets of Linz are historically burdened is examined – with a view to National Socialism, racism as well as anti-Semitism.
But what does it mean when a theoretically planned renaming is put into practice? This is possible in Linz with a political majority, specifically with a city senate resolution. The organizational and bureaucratic effort associated with the renaming is high, especially for the affected residents.
“Serious Reason”
All documents that contain the residential address would have to be changed, and the residents would have to take care of that themselves, according to Mayor Klaus Luger (SP). The magistrate cannot act on its own here: “We could only reimburse those affected for the fees incurred.”
There is also a need for changes apart from the documents: from business cards to street signs to city maps. Rescue organisations, Post and Co would also have to be informed about the innovation.
According to Luger, factors like these are the reason why we have always been very defensive when it comes to renaming. “Without a serious reason” such a thing is unthinkable anyway (more on that below).
Whether there will be renaming with the results of the historian’s report will be decided after it is available. A conceivable variant would be the attachment of additional signs.
The Langoth Case
An example of a street renaming in the recent past is that of Langothstrasse in 1986.
Franz Langoth was not only Lord Mayor of Linz (1944 to 1945), but also SS Brigadier Leader and as a judge of the NS People’s Court responsible for at least 41 death sentences. Many debates preceded the renaming to Kaisergasse, Schuster knows. Criticism of the decision also came from some of the residents – justified not with political motives, but with the unpopular visits to the authorities associated with the renaming. Spicy detail: The appointment to Langoth only took place in 1973.
In 2001, Baumgärtelstrasse was also rededicated. Originally it was named after the poet Karl Emmerich Baumgärtel – when it became apparent that this head of the district press office was Oberdonau, trade union official Emil Baumgärtel gave the new name.
Source: Nachrichten
