In Rott am Inn there is a dispute about large accommodation for asylum seekers - as in other regions. But in the small village the refugee population would make up over ten percent of the population. The resistance is great. But the mayor has not yet given up hope for a compromise.
Daniel Wendrock is actually a man who is not easily disturbed by anything. There is one topic that has been bothering the non-party mayor of Rott am Inn in the Rosenheim district for months - and not just him. “Rot rottete” is written on the banners that have been hanging since autumn in the town of 4,000 inhabitants, which is known for its prominent honorary citizen Franz Josef Strauß. The village is in excitement because the district office is planning to accommodate 500 refugees in an empty hall in the commercial area (we reported). That would be a population share of over ten percent - in addition to the hundred refugees that Rott has already taken in.
Discussions also with Prime Minister Söder - the building is in the commercial area
Mayor Wendrock found out about this plan the day after the state election in October. He's been in talks ever since. In the building committee, with the district office, with the Ministry of the Interior - he was even able to speak to Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) on the sidelines of a New Year's reception. Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) recently came to Rott with representatives of the government of Upper Bavaria to get an on-site impression.
I feel heard. But I have concerns that action will follow.
Mayor Daniel Wendrock
The building in question is located in the commercial area. There is a large shipping company and a few companies that produce food on the street. Some of the traders have fears for their existence since they found out about the district office's plans. They are afraid that refugees could climb onto the transporters to leave Rott. Or that there could be garbage problems around the property and attracting vermin. Some are afraid of losing their tenants because of this - or of the conflicts that can arise when so many people from different cultures live together in a small space.
Three bunk beds are planned on seven square meters, reports Klemens Seidl from the citizens' initiative that was founded in the fall. He would live with his wife and two small children right next to the collective shelter. He emphasizes that he has spent a lot of time abroad and with other cultures. Many of his neighbors also emphasize that they are not xenophobic. Rott has already taken in 100 refugees in recent years. They live in decentralized accommodation, which works well, reports Mayor Wendrock. It annoys him that Rott now appears as a village that defends itself against refugees. Because what concerns him and many citizens is the number.
Hardly any alternatives for the planned initial accommodation – schools need their gyms back
The district office is planning initial accommodation in Rott from which people will be distributed. The hall was offered to the authority for rent; there are not many other free-standing properties, explained District Administrator Otto Lederer (CSU). The gymnasiums in Raubling and Bruckmühl have been occupied by refugees for around two years and the schools need them back.
Wendrock has had many discussions with the district office. He and his local council can imagine accommodation for 100 people. The capacities of the sewage treatment plant and water supply would not be sufficient for more, he explains. Otherwise the municipality would have to stop the construction areas that are being developed. However, the district office is insisting on at least 250 to 300 places, which is necessary to empty the gymnasiums, a spokesman for the district office said yesterday.
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Wendrock hopes for a compromise instead of a fight in court
Wendrock has long since sought legal advice. But he still has hope that the dispute will not end up in court and that there can be a compromise. During the visit, he explained all his concerns and arguments to the Interior Minister. He says he feels heard. “But I have concerns that action will follow.”
The citizens' initiative also hopes to be able to make a difference. They collected 4,427 signatures in an online petition and submitted the petition to the state parliament. They have set up a website www.rott-rottiert.de to explain their worries and fears. And they want to hold a peaceful demonstration tomorrow, Wednesday, at the Ludwig Erhard summit on Lake Tegernsee. Your goal is to talk to the politicians there again.