Corruption or transparency? Revelations about refugee accommodation!

Corruption or transparency? Revelations about refugee accommodation!

On June 24, 2025, the audience in Neuruppin was able to experience a very special live journalism show. Adrian Garcia-Landa presented a mix of journalism and art on stage, captivating viewers with the latest revelations about local grievances. In addition to a lectern with a toy Mercedes and a mini flag of the Ostprignitz-Ruppin region, there were cardboard signs at the edge of the stage with important terms such as freedom of the press, transparency and tax justice. Despite the explosive topics, the audience, numbering around 200 guests, seemed a bit cautious at first, as taz.de reports.

The event, part of the “Jive” series held at Hamburg’s Kampnagel and organized by the nonprofit organization Headline, provides a platform for thoughtful discussions. Since 2016, Headline has started with journalism slams and expanded its concept to include shows with an orchestra in 2023. The evenings show diversity; Eva-Lena Lörzers reported on her father's dementia and the associated care crisis, while Nik Afanasjaw described his thoughtful experiences from the research trip to Spitsbergen. The stories of the “Flying Carpet” festival in Mardin were also not to be missed.

Exposing corruption and grievances

One of the most sensational stories of the evening dealt with the topic of corruption surrounding the refugee homes in Brandenburg. Garcia-Landa opened the show with “Dallas in Neuruppin – a business crime soap opera in Brandenburg”. A case of fraud was uncovered that involved at least twelve million euros in tax money. The musical accompaniment by the orchestra, which played the famous Dallas theme song, rounded off the dramatic event.

As it turns out, the problems on the ground are not just fictional stories. In Flecken Zechlin, for example, there are massive concerns about a planned refugee home that is to be built right next to Helga B.'s home. Residents express concerns about integration, costs and use of the building. Despite a budget of half a million euros already spent on renovations, the building is currently empty. In addition, according to reports in the Berliner Zeitung, the administration questioned numerous contracts and financial resources, although the suspicion of corruption in the awarding of orders and rental agreements was never completely gone.

Demand for more transparency

The discussion about the lack of transparency in this region fits into a larger trend that Transparency Germany also addresses in its new guidelines for greater clarity in journalism. Surveys have repeatedly shown that many journalists are affected by corruption. Transparency.de emphasizes that there is an urgent need for a strict separation of editorial and advertising departments as well as clear compliance regulations.

The reports and case studies of the evening in Neuruppin make it clear that it is not only necessary to shed light on these machinations, but also that the audience is made aware of these issues. The demand for more transparency and journalistic engagement is clearly noticeable among residents and the broader public. In the long term, such events, which are often missing in rural areas, could make an important contribution to increasing public awareness. In doing so, we build bridges between journalism and the community.