Protests in Germany over plans to house 300 refugees in small village

In Rott am Inn, Germany, protests have erupted against plans to house 300 refugees in a small village with 2,200 residents, reflecting broader debates about migration ahead of national elections on February 23.

In the village of Rott am Inn, southeastern Germany, four mannequins symbolize the local protest against plans to house 300 refugees at a former lamp factory. This plan has sparked numerous demonstrations, a petition with 4,000 signatures, and lawsuits. The protests highlight growing concerns over migration, especially with the rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has gained support by tapping into local frustrations.

Korbinian Hein, 24, whose family runs a freight business near the proposed refugee shelter, criticized the plan as disproportionate, with the number of refugees set to increase the village’s population by 13%. Local residents worry about the strain on infrastructure, potential overcrowding, and safety concerns, especially with contamination in parts of the factory.

Despite efforts to find alternative housing, the local authorities were unable to secure better options. Meanwhile, nationwide opposition to refugee housing has increased, with 68% of Germans now against accepting more refugees. Additionally, violence involving migrants has heightened public fears about security and migration.

While Rott am Inn remains open to integration, local business owner Otto Lederer emphasizes the difficulty of integrating a large number of refugees in such a small community, despite successfully employing two refugees in his company. The debate over migration is intensifying ahead of Germany's elections on February 23.

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