Wiesbaden's Seniors Demand Action on Housing, Mobility and Digital Gaps
A lively debate on key issues facing older residents took place in Wiesbaden this week. The Senior Citizens’ Council hosted the discussion, covering topics from housing and care to mobility, security, and digital inclusion. Representatives from nine political parties joined the event to share their views and solutions.
Housing policy became a focal point, with all parties acknowledging its importance but offering different approaches. Bureaucracy was repeatedly criticised as a barrier to progress, slowing down initiatives and reforms. The CDU also raised concerns about the city’s budget, arguing that priorities were unclear, while the AfD described the administration as bloated.
Mobility sparked heated exchanges, especially over traffic policies. Older residents complained that their needs were often overlooked in planning. Cycling infrastructure drew particular attention when one woman warned about the risks of poorly designed bike lanes and pavements. Daniela Georgi from the CDU and Nele Siedenburg of the Greens agreed on the need for safer infrastructure but differed on how to achieve it. Security concerns led to calls for stricter measures. The CDU pushed for gun-free zones, improved lighting, and cleaner public spaces. PRO AUTO, however, demanded more personnel and clearer enforcement priorities. Accessibility was another pressing issue, with frustration expressed over a failed proposal to appoint volunteer accessibility officers in each district council. Digital inclusion also took centre stage. An 85-year-old fitness instructor described her struggles with technology, prompting broad agreement that digitalisation must not leave behind those who find it difficult to adapt. The debate included contributions from Christa Gabriel (SPD), Dennis Seldenreich (AfD), Mechthilde Coigné (The Left), Jasmine Lesken (Volt), Petermartin Oschmann (FWG), Günther Schäfer (PRO AUTO), and Silvia Schob (FDP).
The debate highlighted the challenges older residents face in Wiesbaden, from housing shortages to mobility barriers and digital exclusion. While parties agreed on the importance of these issues, their proposed solutions varied widely. The discussions will now feed into local policy decisions in the coming months.
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