In Brandenburg, fewer refugees arrived in the municipalities from January to April than expected according to forecasts. “The intake target figures were not reached in the first four months. The forecast was significantly undercut,” said Integration and Social Affairs Minister Ursula Nonnemacher (Greens) of the dpa. “Fortunately, the pressure isn’t that high.”
According to previous calculations of the target intake, a total of 25,753 refugees were expected this year, who the municipalities in Brandenburg would have to take in and accommodate. The trend is now such that the number will probably be adjusted downwards in May, said Nonnemacher. However, it cannot be ruled out that “it will pick up again”. Around 39,000 refugees were taken in in 2022, including many people from Ukraine.
According to Nonnemacher, situations are difficult for municipalities
Nevertheless, the situation for municipalities that have to plan new accommodation is difficult, said the minister, also in view of criticism and protests from the population. “There are also a few right-wing extremist groups online who are trying to fuel the protest.” Nonnemacher emphasized: “We all have to stand together. So it’s hip to show attitude.”
Regarding the planned containers for accommodating refugees, Nonnemacher said: “What happens promptly is preferable because new buildings take a long time.” There are also considerations for container housing complexes in the Havelland district in order to create more places for refugees. The Brandenburg cabinet is meeting in Nauen this Tuesday to discuss with District Administrator Roger Lewandowski (CDU), among other things, the situation regarding the reception of refugees. According to previous forecasts, the Havelland district would have to take in 1,572 people this year.
The Greens politician Nonnemacher advocates improving the integration of refugees – for example with language courses and easier access to the job market. “We have to push the integration perspectives.” She wants to enable model projects with which refugees who are only tolerated after their asylum application has been rejected can be qualified for a residence permit with professional training and language courses. The state capital Potsdam is the first municipality to take part in the “change of lane” project. She hopes that other interested parties will come along, said Nonnemacher. (dpa)
