Vienna’s Reumannplatz is often used as an example of rampant youth crime and drug problems. Krone.tv wanted to see it for themselves (see video above). Does Favoriten’s centerpiece deserve its bad reputation?
On March 30, a weapons ban zone came into effect around Reumannplatz in Favoriten. There have been repeated stabbings in the area in recent weeks. Since then, Reumannplatz has been repeatedly cited as an example of failed migration policies, youth crime and drug problems.
16 hours on site
krone.tv reporter Stefana Madjarov and cameraman Sebastian Schmiedhofer wanted to get their own view of the situation (see the broadcast note at the end of the story). Over two days, they spent a total of 16 hours at Reumannplatz and spoke to residents, entrepreneurs and drug dealers.
Not only were they out and about during the day, but they also kept their eyes and ears open at night. The result is not only a report on the problems at Reumannplatz itself, but also a social study on the challenges of living together in Austria.
Do people feel safe here?
Resident Maria reports: “I actually feel safe. Because of my age, I don’t leave the apartment at night anyway.” A student intervenes: “I pass by here in the morning on my way to school. There are no problems there. But when we go out later, there will already be junkies walking around here.” A young man had less good experiences. He reports: “If you are here alone and people notice that you are not from the area, you will be attacked.”
Neighbor Martin P. also has mixed feelings: “If I have two paths and there is a group of men on one side, I will probably switch sides of the street.” Several Amalienbad employees also view the situation critically. In the past there have been occasional problems, but currently harassment or physical violence are on the agenda.
Has it gotten worse?
Another resident reports: “When I leave the house, I always have a headscarf in my handbag, just to be on the safe side.” Resident Maria also has a theory about the violence: “A third of the people here come from a different culture. When they argue with each other, they reach for the knife. I think that’s the custom.” It is exactly this diversity that another visitor to Reumannplatz particularly likes: “Here you hear Arabic everywhere. I like favorites.”
Was it better before?
Xenia Tichy from the ice cream parlor of the same name: “I grew up here. I don’t feel unsafe here. A lot has been done in recent years. But further efforts are still needed. I hope the place gets a better reputation again.”
The problem with medications
What many interviewees mention as a problem is the extensive drug scene. An employee of the swimming pool: “We act openly here day and night. This contributes a lot to the aggressiveness among young people.” Cannabis, cocaine and painkillers are the bestsellers. But the drug scene is also a symptom of another problem. After initial embarrassment and reluctance towards the krone.tv crew, the drug dealers give some insights into their lives. One of them reports that his only source of income is drug trafficking. He has been waiting for a work permit for two years and ultimately has a family to support in Syria.
Can Reumannplatz still be saved?
Everyone agrees on this: the square and its residents should not be condemned across the board and lumped together. First and foremost, we need to get the drug scene under control. Big wish: a waiting room on the square One wish unites everyone: more police and a constant presence directly on Reumannplatz. Kurt Tichy: “A waiting room would be important for safety.” Martin: “It’s not just about punishment. There must also be more commitment to social work.” The sporadic Reumannplatz visitor “Alibaba” has a practical approach to the subject: “The police are just part of it here. Not everyone can defend themselves.”
When on television?
The two-part documentary about Reumannplatz can be seen on Monday, May 13 at 9:15 PM on krone.tv. In case you missed it, a repeat is scheduled for May 14 at 4:30 PM on krone.tv.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
