Skip to content

Mönchengladbach’s Drug Crisis Sparks Fierce Policy Clash in Kirchenreulchen

Residents demand safety, but will more police or addiction support fix Kirchenreulchen’s drug crisis? The city council’s clash reveals no easy answers. Some fear crackdowns will just shift the problem elsewhere.

In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are...
In front of the picture, we see a white car on which "Police" is written. Behind that, there are many cars moving on the road. On either side of the road, we see grass and trees. This picture is clicked outside the city.

Mönchengladbach’s Drug Crisis Sparks Fierce Policy Clash in Kirchenreulchen

A heated debate has erupted in Mönchengladbach over how to tackle drug-related issues in Kirchenreulchen. Residents and businesses report open drug use, falling visitor numbers, and a rising sense of insecurity. The city council is now split on whether stricter policing or expanded social services will solve the problem.

On December 17, 2025, the CDU faction proposed a plan to improve safety in Kirchenreulchen. Their suggestions included brighter street lighting, more frequent police patrols, and a stronger police presence. Christian Diers of the FDP and Louise-Lydia Wagenbach of the CDU backed these measures, calling for tougher action against drug dealers.

Critics, however, argue that enforcement alone won’t fix the issue. Andreas Kowol from the Greens warned that intensified controls might temporarily ease the situation but would simply displace the drug scene to another area. Meanwhile, Milena Löpke, head of health affairs, pointed out that Wiesbaden had nearly doubled its spending on addiction services—yet many struggling with addiction still weren’t receiving help.

Left-wing councillors Ingo von Seemen and Daniel Winter pushed for a different approach. They stressed the need for prevention programmes, outreach social work, and safe consumption sites. Their focus was on addressing the root causes of addiction rather than just increasing police checks.

Both sides agree on one thing: they want a city centre where people feel safe. But while some demand stricter enforcement, others insist on greater support for those affected by addiction.

The dispute reflects deeper divisions over how to handle drug-related challenges in urban areas. The CDU’s proposal for more policing and better lighting will now face further discussions. If approved, it could reshape security measures in Kirchenreulchen—but may not resolve the underlying issues.

Read also:

Latest