After Lord Mayor Thomas Westphal declared yesterday at the press conference of the administrative board that the giant fir, the largest Christmas tree and symbol of Dortmund’s Christmas city, should be dismantled on Hansaplatz, the CDU defends itself against the plans. “The Dortmund Christmas tree is not just city marketing, but above all a strong symbol of hope,” she argues, while the city leaders are looking for ideas on how the 1700 or so spruce trees can be used differently. Ideas came from Dortmund residents to sell the Christmas trees for a fundraising campaign.
Thomas Westphal had stated that the council should confirm the dismantling of the large Christmas tree on November 12 in an urgent decision. In view of the increasing number of corona cases and the canceled Christmas market, the city does not want to create an attraction in the city. The city treasury pays the cost of erecting and dismantling the tree up to EUR 300,000. “We are considering whether we can do something else with the trees,” announced Mayor Thomas Westphal.
Cancellation of the Christmas market
Due to the recent sharp rise in the number of infections in connection with the Covid 19 pandemic, the Dortmund Christmas market has been canceled at short notice this year. It was unclear how the construction of the giant Christmas tree on Hansaplatz, which had already begun, should continue.
The statement of the CDU: “Lord Mayor Westphal has announced that the big Christmas tree will no longer be built. The CDU parliamentary group regrets this decision.” The newly constituted CDU parliamentary group had taken a clear position and spoke out in favor of its completion and will continue to advocate it.
Setting an example in difficult situations
“For many people, the current situation is extremely deprived and associated with serious cuts in everyday life. That is precisely why we want to set an important example by continuing the construction of the Christmas tree in the city. In the Christian tradition, the Christmas tree primarily symbolizes vitality and hope for new life. It is a symbol for the message of Christmas: The Christmas tree brings light into our lives ”, explains Dr. Jendrik Suck, who, as the newly elected chairman, has recently headed the Dortmund CDU parliamentary group.
Setting up is a centuries-old custom
The Christian Democrats are strongly opposed to reducing the giant Christmas tree to its marketing effect alone. “The setting up and festive decoration of a Christmas tree in the run-up to Christmas is a centuries-old custom and has been an integral part of our occidental culture since the Middle Ages. The tradition and symbolism of the Christmas tree should not be sacrificed for financial considerations alone, ”said Dr. Jendrik Suck on.
Financially secure further construction
From the point of view of the CDU, the fact that the financing of the Christmas tree was already covered by a corresponding council resolution spoke in favor of further construction. Especially since the savings that would result from abandoning the work are comparatively low compared to the total costs. “If necessary, the weekly market around the large Christmas tree could have been expanded to include a few Christmas stalls. That would not only help the badly battered Dortmund showmen, but at least create a little Christmas atmosphere in the city. We continue to promote building the Christmas tree, ”said Dr. Suck in conclusion.
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