Real estate speculator fails: hope and frustration in the Görlitz district

Real estate speculator fails: hope and frustration in the Görlitz district

A lot is happening in Görlitz, even if it's not always for the best. Ingo Kramer reported that real estate speculator Karl-Leo Spettmann was recently left behind during an auction at the district court. Despite his failed auction, Spettmann remained calm. Maybe he just thought, “Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.”
While Spettmann's auction misfortune caused a stir, the company “Elektromotoren Herbert Krug” is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary. The company, which is still family-owned, has earned a high reputation over the years. At the same time, the story of Simon Hänchen, who became a master carpenter at the age of 23 and whose masterpiece was particularly outstanding, is also remarkable. You could say that the young talents are challenging the long-established companies.

The feeling in the region

Despite such success stories, many people in the Görlitz district are skeptical when it comes to the development of the region. A current survey carried out as part of the “Lausitz Monitor” causes mixed feelings. Sebastian Beutler evaluated the survey data and brought to light some astonishing insights: Many residents agree with the need for structural change, but trust in its implementation is low. Only one in three believes that this has already begun. A sign that patience is required.
An evaluation also points out the unequal distribution of funding; The Görlitz district received the most funding, but only a few projects were actually approved. The discrepancy between expectations and reality could explain the discontent among the population.

Looking to the bright future?

The discussion about these topics was recently lively at the 19th Lausitz Conference of the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). There, Markus Schlimbach, DGB Saxony chairman, called for a stronger focus on long-term jobs in structural change decisions. The unions want more say and are calling for the establishment of “transformation advisory councils”. It turns out that optimism about the future is dwindling particularly among 40 to 59 year olds. The problem child seems to be the wage level, because according to the Lausitz Monitor, dissatisfaction is most pronounced in this regard.

Jörg Heidig, the initiator of the Lausitz Monitor, addressed a topic that is important to many: the immigration problem. Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer emphasized that the CDU does not want to enter into coalitions with the AfD and advocated a positive attitude towards immigration. Anika Noack from the Federal Institute for Building, Urban and Spatial Research also pointed out that fears of right-wing populism could deter potential workers.

Overall, it can be said that there are bright spots in the Görlitz district, such as the successes of young entrepreneurs and established companies, but the feeling that the region is making progress step by step seems to be missing among many citizens. Whether with immigration or structural change – it remains exciting to see how things will develop.
For further information on these developments and the mood in Lusatia, we refer to the reporting at Sächsische.de and Wirtschaft in Sachsen.