Agitation by Leftist Civic Group: Preparation of Petition Against Proposed New Opera House in Dusseldorf

The Am Wehrhahn construction site, long anticipated with excitement, is set to cost more than previously discussed. With at least 1.56 billion euros in credit financing, the new opera building is expected to be one of the most expensive projects in the city's history.

Amidst this growing concern, the citizens' initiative "Rettet die Staatsoper" has announced its intention to submit an application for citizen participation in the opera building project's future. The Left, the only faction in the city council opposed to the new opera construction, is supporting this move.

Julia Marmulla, the speaker for the Left faction in the city council, has expressed her concerns about the escalating costs. She stated, "These unforeseen cost increases were not discussed in the previous citizen participation processes of the city."

In an effort to increase pressure on the other parties, the Left is now extensively informing citizens about the issue and planning to submit an application for a citizen's vote in the council meeting on July 10.

The Left is not alone in its opposition. The Rosa Luxemburg Foundation NRW is organising a discussion event titled "Redistribute instead of billion opera" at the zakk on March 22 at 12 noon. The event aims to explore perspectives on socially just urban development beyond the topic of "opera construction."

Regarding participation in the citizen's vote, the chances are very good due to the upcoming municipal election on September 14. Registration for the event is requested at [email protected], but participation is also possible without registration. If a sign language interpreter is needed, please inform by email.

The Left's stance on the opera construction issue has attracted many committed young people, causing a significant increase in the party's membership. In fact, the membership of the Left has almost doubled to approximately 700.

As the debate around the opera construction project continues, it remains to be seen whether the citizen's vote will be approved with the two-thirds majority required. One thing is certain, though: the Left will continue to campaign for the citizen's vote, standing on the side of the citizens in this contentious issue.