A Free Flat for a Fortnight: The German City Offering Perks to Fight Depopulation
In an effort to combat depopulation, the German city of Eisenhüttenstadt is offering new residents a range of perks, including a free flat for two weeks and rounds of drinks with locals. The city, located 60 miles east of Berlin, has a rich history dating back to the post-war era and was once a thriving industrial centre.
According to The Guardian, the city’s administrators are trying to lure new residents to secure the future of its companies and attractiveness. Mayor Frank Balzer said, "Many people left us looking for work, especially the young. We’re at a point where we’re trying to draw new people to secure the future of our companies and the attractiveness of the city." The city’s population has dwindled to less than half of its former 53,000 residents since the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The Probewohnen programme, which will offer a handful of newcomers or returnees a furnished flat in the city centre for two weeks in September, is modelled on similar schemes that have been successful in other shrinking east German communities. Those chosen will also have opportunities to meet with potential employers and participate in social events, including meet-and-greet evenings in a local pub and hiking excursions in the surrounding region.
Julia Basan, the municipal economic development officer spearheading the campaign, said her phone has been ringing non-stop since she announced the programme last month, with 500 people already submitting their requests ahead of a 5 July deadline. "I even got an application in Pashto," Basan said, adding that an American family of seven had also thrown their hat in the ring.
According to The Guardian, the city’s Utopia and Everyday Life museum curator, Axel Drieschner, said Eisenhüttenstadt has "pioneer spirit in its genes – people were brought here to roll up their sleeves and build something new." However, the city’s dependence on the steel industry has been a major challenge, with the plant’s workforce dwindling from 11,000 to 2,500 employees.
The city’s efforts to diversify its economy and attract new residents have been hampered by the rise of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland party, which has gained significant support in the area. However, many residents say that the town’s atmosphere is friendly, open, and optimistic, with some citing its natural beauty and architectural charm as reasons to stay.
As The Guardian reports, Shakib, a 19-year-old refugee from Afghanistan, has found opportunities in Eisenhüttenstadt, but notes that racism is still a problem in the area. Local elections are scheduled for 28 September, and polls indicate that the Alternative für Deutschland party could come out on top.
Despite these challenges, residents like teacher Josephine Geller and nurse trainer Sarah Kuhnke are optimistic about the city’s future. Geller said, "They’ve renovated a lot and it’s a great place to live with children – not too big and not too small. You can reach everything on a bike and we love the lakes." Kuhnke added, "There might not be a lot of cafes and bars but people from all over come to see our remarkable architecture and natural beauty. It’s worth it to try living here."
The city’s efforts to attract new residents and combat depopulation are a testament to its determination to thrive in the face of adversity. As The Guardian notes, Eisenhüttenstadt’s story is not unique, with many eastern German cities facing similar challenges. However, with its rich history, natural beauty, and architectural charm, Eisenhüttenstadt is a city worth watching.
Daniel Kubiak, a scholar at Berlin’s Humboldt University, said introductory schemes like the one in Eisenhüttenstadt offer a chance to break down stubborn prejudices. "Many eastern German cities need these campaigns because despite all the problems, the image is usually worse than the reality," he said.
Enrico Hartrampf of GeWi property management said most of the town’s older residents had never lived anywhere else, making it hard for them to see the town’s potential. "It means it can be hard for them to see how good we have it here," he said. "Tell anyone in Berlin we pay an average of €6.50 per square metre in rent and see what they say."
The city’s Probewohnen programme is a bold move to attract new residents and revitalise the local community. As The Guardian reports, the programme’s success could be a model for other shrinking east German cities.
In conclusion, Eisenhüttenstadt’s efforts to combat depopulation and attract new residents are a story of determination and resilience. With its rich history, natural beauty, and architectural charm, the city has a lot to offer. As The Guardian notes, the city’s future is worth watching, and its story could be a model for other cities facing similar challenges.
