Frankfurt's change: From shine to shadow - Is the city lost?

Frankfurt's change: From shine to shadow - Is the city lost?

Frankfurt am Main, often referred to as the “melting pot of cultures,” has changed drastically in the last decade. The city is not only experiencing demographic change, but also a noticeable change in the cityscape. The Bahnhofsviertel in particular, which was once a prestigious residential and business district, is now affected by problems such as drug abuse and increasing crime. Political representatives, such as Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Union parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn, express serious concerns about the neglect in urban centers, especially around the main train station, where the situation is getting worse.

Bernhard Hahn, operator of a music store in the Bahnhofsviertel, describes the worrying situation. He reports on drug problems and the dangers that customers face. Police have responded with a series of raids since 2024 and have already carried out 36 major checks to combat drug trafficking. Current estimates suggest that there are around 5,000 junkies and 300 dealers active in this particular area.

Demographic changes and cultural diversity

In the last ten years, Frankfurt's population has increased by almost 100,000 people, bringing the total to 776,843 residents. The proportion of foreigners rose from 27.3% in 2015 to just under 32% by the end of 2024. The increase in Frankfurt residents with a migrant background is particularly noticeable: This number rose from 88,430 in 2010 to 199,429 in 2024. Among the new residents, 137,000 are Muslims, while the Catholic community is 122,000 Evangelicals also represent a significant part of the population with 96,000.

The changes in the religious spectrum are also notable: the proportion of Christians in the total population fell from 45% in 2010 to 28% in 2024. In order to take the different cultural groups into account, Ramadan decorations have been hung in the city since 2024, which are financed with up to 100,000 euros from tax revenue. These measures are not only met with approval. The city is also facing an increase in demonstrations with an Islamic or anti-Semitic background, increasing concerns about social cohesion.

Critical security situation

Crime in Frankfurt is another topic of concern. The statistics show an alarming increase in rapes: from 436 in 2015 to 1,623 in 2024. The majority of suspects in connection with various crimes are foreigners. The cityscape has also changed in terms of shopping streets: corporations and chains are expanding, while owner-managed shops are becoming increasingly rare. Migrant youth gangs are active on the shopping streets and demonstrate a new phenomenon of group dynamics that brings with it numerous challenges.

Another challenge for the city is increasing litter. To counteract this, the penalties for littering offenses have been increased drastically: for example, 120 euros must be paid for throwing away cigarettes and 500 euros for dog excrement in green areas.

Nevertheless, there are also events in Frankfurt that continue to take place despite increased security precautions. The Christmas market has been protected by special measures since 2016 to ensure a safe environment.

In summary, it can be said that Frankfurt, despite its cultural diversity and demographic growth, faces significant challenges. The changes in the city require skillful management and possibly a paradigm shift in politics to sustainably improve the cityscape and security. We can only hope that the efforts of the police and the city administration will bring about a positive change and that Frankfurt will once again become a place worth living in for everyone.