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Bielefeld's future between integration and crime: Esdar's fight!
On October 27th, 2025, Bielefeld demonstrated for a cosmopolitan cityscape, while debates about migration and crime intensified.
Bielefeld's future between integration and crime: Esdar's fight!
On October 27, 2025, a demonstration in Bielefeld caused a lot of conversation. Numerous citizens gathered to show their commitment to cosmopolitan and tolerant coexistence. Among the demonstrators was Dr. Wiebke Esdar, the deputy SPD parliamentary group leader in the Bundestag, who was praised for her courageous appearance. At the event she received recognition for her authentic voice against social division and for her advocacy for an open Bielefeld, which the local SPD members enthusiastically responded to.[westfalen-blatt]
But not all voices were positive on Saturday. The opinion was sometimes heard in the ranks of demonstrators that there was no significant difference between parties like the CDU and AfD. Some participants even went so far as to call Chancellor Friedrich Merz a racist. Such statements underline the heated debates that are taking place not only in Bielefeld but across the country about integration and social challenges.
Increasing concerns and open letters
An open letter from a concerned citizen of Bielefeld to Dr. Esdar shows the other side of the coin. The author criticizes the current conditions in Bielefeld and describes his worrying experiences with aggressive begging practices in the city center. He admits that he feels increasingly uncomfortable in his hometown and avoids the city center. These personal experiences make it clear that despite the colorful and cosmopolitan description of Bielefeld, there are serious problems that need to be addressed.[afd-bielefeld]
He also questions the practice of democracy and calls for a critical examination of integration policy. He particularly emphasizes that not all foreigners are problematic, but that an alarming increase in the number of people he perceives as negative has been observed. The citizen calls on politicians to take seriously the insights and experiences of citizens who are concerned about the future of Germany.
Migration and crime in focus
In the context of this discussion is also the debate about the connection between migration and crime in Germany, which will be conducted in an emotional manner in 2025. Many media and politicians often make a connection between the two topics. In reality, however, studies show that the influx of migrants has not led to a significant increase in crime. For example, the group of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, who make up around 2% of the total population, accounts for a disproportionate share (around 8.5%) of crimes. This overrepresentation is often explained by demographic factors, such as the higher proportion of young men in these groups.[dinstitut]
However, simply equating migration and crime falls far short. Experts point out that social and economic tensions, often coupled with structural disadvantages, have been proven to contribute to an increase in theft and physical injuries. At the same time, reporting is identified as a decisive factor for public perception, which is reinforced by disproportionate attention to violent crimes with a migrant connection.
Therefore, when searching together for solutions to the challenges that affect our society, it is essential not only to keep security in mind, but also to promote integration and improve living conditions for everyone. This is the only way to achieve harmonious coexistence.