Planned cuts by the majority in the Hanover city council for integration and democracy promotion: This sends the wrong signal!

Several social and cultural projects in the city of Hanover could face massive cuts starting in the next fiscal year – this is according to plans by the majority in the city council comprised of the SPD, CDU, and FDP. The cuts are intended to affect areas that are essential for the city's social fabric and a sense of community, such as counseling services for refugees and undocumented migrants.

Cuts are also planned for interpreting services – with the argument that these could be replaced by more cost-effective machine translations or AI programs. The use of AI programs in counseling situations involving highly sensitive topics such as human trafficking, experiences of violence, or immigration status is therefore being discussed. AI is a prospect for the future, but currently, personal language and cultural mediation by specialized professionals remains indispensable – we know this not least from our own experiences in our psychosocial centers.

The NTFN eV stands in solidarity with the affected organizations and appeals to the council not to cut funding for projects promoting social cohesion in times of increasing division. A joint statement from the MiSO Network Hannover and kargah, which would be affected by the cuts, can be found here. here.

A demonstration will take place in front of the New Town Hall on November 15th at 1 p.m. A petition against the planned cuts can be found [here/on the website]. here.