“Cityscape” debate: Neubauer, Lang and Co. write a letter to Merz

Against the background of the “cityscape” debate, 60 women (as of Tuesday 10:30 a.m.) from art, science, politics and civil society have called on Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) in an open letter to do more to ensure the safety of women. “We want a public space in which everyone feels comfortable,” says the text available to the news magazine “Spiegel” on Tuesday. “And we want women to be safe – on the street and in their own homes.”

“We would like to talk about safety for daughters, i.e. women,” the letter continues. “However, we want to do it seriously and not serve as a cheap excuse to justify racist narratives.”

The letter, which was to be posted online on Tuesday, was signed by, among others, Green Party politician Ricarda Lang, climate protection activist Luisa Neubauer, singer Joy Denalane, author Alice Hasters, actress Melika Foroutan and sociologist Jutta Allmendinger.

In their letter, the initiators demand, among other things, better prosecution of sexual and domestic violence, better lighting and surveillance of public spaces, the inclusion of the criminal offense of femicide in the statute book, adequately funded women’s shelters and the fight against poverty among women in old age.

They were reacting to statements made by Merz. With his statements about what he considered to be a problematic impact of migration on the “cityscape”, the Chancellor triggered a debate – and was accused of discrimination and racism. He later added more: “Ask your children, ask your daughters, ask around among friends and acquaintances: Everyone confirms that this is a problem – by nightfall at the latest.”