The eastern German city of Görlitz, familiar to many through its appearances in over 120 films including ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’, is now looking forward to a different type of spotlight. Nestled close to the Polish border in Saxony, a dilapidated 19th-century establishment, once Germany’s most significant psychiatric clinic, will serve as the future location for the nation’s new Centre for Astrophysics (DZA).
This investment, which at €1.2 billion is the most substantial in the nation’s history, is projected to generate about a thousand jobs directly. The project’s wider economic effect is predicted to draw other organisations, of both scientific and non-scientific nature, potentially offering an economic lift to the region.
Sebastian Gemkow, the State Science and Research Minister for Saxony, expressed his vision of the DZA becoming a central European beacon for astrophysics during an event at the former clinic. The timing of the venture may well be pivotal for Görlitz, an economically fragile city, where average incomes are a fifth lower than the national average and unemployment rate is three percentage points higher.
Görlitz Mayor, Octavian Ursu, views this huge investment as a potential turning point, a chance to restore the wealth of the pre-war era, evident in the city’s grand architectural frontages. However, this positive development comes amidst a climate of political uncertainty.
After maintaining power for 34 steady years, the ruling Christian Democratic Union is now reportedly tied with the right-wing Alternative for Germany, scoring between 30% and 32% in polls before a state election. In the latest European elections, things looked bleaker for Görlitz, with the CDU securing 23.7% of votes while the AfD garnered 40%. This shift towards the populist party, known for its xenophobic and anti-immigrant sentiment, is challenging for a city labelled as ‘European’ on the Polish boundary.
Considering the local support for AfD, there are concerns about Görlitz’s attractiveness when it comes to recruiting the international scientists needed for the DZA’s success. Contrary to this, Mayor Ursu has said, “Anyone who joins us recognises the region’s assets. Often more than the people who live here. I believe we are a more compelling proposition than those who represent only a segment of the political spectrum.”
Last week, the town of Görlitz found itself gaining prominence. Set side by side with the announcement from the German Centre for Ageing Research, Taiwan’s TSMC, a semiconductor company, began construction of a new facility in Dresden, Saxony’s capital. This development will pave the way for 2,000 jobs. Alongside a fresh Intel facility in the nearby Magdeburg, an additional 3,000 jobs will be created. These developments will position the region as the semiconductor hub of mainland Europe.
The outgoing administration of Saxony assertively claims that these investments signify a revival of its pre-war reputation for precision manufacturing and engineering, following thirty years of varying fortunes.
Eastern Germany’s per capita output appears to be frozen at 76% of the western part of the country. Nevertheless, Saxony’s GDP has witnessed a whopping 283% increase since 1991. According to the GDP ranking among Germany’s 16 states, Saxony now sits in eighth place. On a per capita basis, it is almost tied with Rhineland-Palatinate, a western state, for the twelfth spot.
Yet, locals in Görlitz suggest that economic instability has fuelled the rise of populism. Maik, a 35-year-old city resident, states that some of his family members were among the 700 people who lost their jobs following Alstom’s exit in June. The company was involved in the production of trains and trams, a century-old tradition in the city. “Many people experienced a significant economic and emotional impact,” he said. “People are becoming more sceptical of these optimistic announcements.”