Dispute over prison location: Halle or Weißenfels? Decision is delayed!

Dispute over prison location: Halle or Weißenfels? Decision is delayed!

The decision on the location of the new prison in Saxony-Anhalt is still a long time coming. How n-tv.de reports, the state government is facing sharp criticism from the Left and the Greens. At a recent meeting, the state parliament's legal committee decided to remove the issue from the agenda, which further fueled political discussions.

“The coalition’s actions are a real horror show,” said Green MP Sebastian Striegel. Citizens' trust in Halle and Weißenfels has been severely affected because the uncertainty surrounding the new prison location is considerable. The left-wing parliamentary group leader Eva von Angern is therefore calling for comprehensive consultation to create clarity. Finance Minister Michael Richter (CDU) originally announced that he would present the decision in October, but so far everything remains open.

Criticism of the state government

The framework conditions for the new building are complex: Saxony-Anhalt urgently needs a new prison, partly due to the need for single-cell accommodation. Significant financial resources have already been invested in land purchases and feasibility studies for the planned location in Halle-Tornau. But the plans for Happy Future now seem to have finally been put on hold after the city of Halle expressed massive concerns in the planning committee in October 2024.

The alternative location in Weißenfels was brought into play after concerns about high-voltage lines and a necessary bypass road were addressed in early 2025. The Ministry of Justice last confirmed the suitability of the new location on March 4, 2025, but the inspections of the building areas have not yet been completed. “The decision is still pending,” said a ministry spokesman.

Political integration and expectations

The political landscape in Saxony-Anhalt is divided. FDP politician Guido Kosmehl said at the last meeting that he would have liked the Ministry of Justice to be involved differently. The government factions have now requested a special meeting of the Legal Affairs Committee to discuss the status of the new building plans for the prison in Weißenfels. This special meeting will take place on Wednesday and could be of great importance in clarifying the current situation, especially as some politicians feel blindsided by the plans.

Uncertainty among the population is growing, and the pressing questions surrounding the construction of a new prison in Saxony-Anhalt continue to remain unanswered. It remains to be seen whether the upcoming discussions in the state parliament can bring a ray of hope and provide clarity for the people in Halle and Weißenfels.