Eastern German Mayors Consult on School Violence - Cottbus mayor warns of youth violence crisis in eastern Germany
Cottbus Mayor Tobias Schick has raised the alarm over rising youth violence in the city. Speaking ahead of a major conference, he described the situation as a 'wake-up call' for local and state authorities. Recent incidents, including fights and expulsions, have left parents and officials deeply concerned.
Violence among children and adolescents in Cottbus has surged over the past four years. Police statistics show a 25% increase in recorded cases—from 960 in 2021 to 1,200 in 2025. This rise outpaces other eastern German schools like Leipzig (+12%), Dresden (+15%), and Chemnitz (+18%), where prevention programmes have helped curb similar trends.
Schools and neighbourhoods have become flashpoints for physical and verbal clashes. Multiple students, some below the age of criminal responsibility, have faced temporary expulsions, particularly at Regine Hildebrandt Primary School and in the Sachsendorf district. Frustrated parents recently published an open letter pleading for action.
Schick will address the issue directly at a conference for eastern German mayors in Cottbus on Thursday and Friday. A press briefing is scheduled for Friday at around 1:00 PM. His proposed solutions include stricter rules, better cooperation between schools, police, and youth services, and stronger prevention measures. He also emphasised that safety in schools and public spaces is vital for maintaining social cohesion.
The mayor's call follows a sharp rise in violent incidents involving minors. Authorities now face pressure to implement coordinated measures across schools, law enforcement, and local government. The conference this week will determine whether a unified strategy can be agreed to tackle the problem.
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