Gmeiner Park in Vienna City Center to be Renamed Following SOS Children's Village Case

Following the recently publicized abuse allegations against the founder of SOS Children's Villages, Hermann Gmeiner, who died in 1986, he should no longer be honored in public spaces in Vienna. The first district wishes to rename or revert the name of the Hermann Gmeiner Park and remove all objects associated with Gmeiner, as communicated to APA upon request.

1st District for Renaming of Vienna's Gmeiner Park

In the latest meeting of the Cultural Commission of the Inner City, the corresponding procedure was decided. Initially, an application will be prepared, stating that the green space near the stock exchange should be called "Börsepark" again, as it was before. The application will then be submitted in the district council meeting on December 18.

Monument Also to Be Removed

The district council will, in turn, urge the city to take the necessary steps. The committee responsible for naming traffic areas in the town hall is in charge. It is also desired that all objects, names, and signs in public spaces that remind of Hermann Gmeiner be removed. This would also affect the monument located in the park.

"In view of the serious and shocking allegations related to the SOS Children's Village organization and its founder Hermann Gmeiner, swift and clear action is required," said district chairman Markus Figl (ÖVP) confidently. Therefore, renaming the park or removing the corresponding bust is unavoidable. "I expressly welcome the approach chosen by the Cultural Commission and thank the members for this responsible action."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.