Farmer in Fehrbellin: Ultimatum for 20 caravans by June 29th!

Farmer in Fehrbellin: Ultimatum for 20 caravans by June 29th!

An unusual incident is causing a stir in the Brandenburg community of Fehrbellin: 20 caravans belonging to a group of travelers have moved into a field owned by the 81-year-old farmer. Loud agrarheute.com The farmer has announced that he will tolerate the travelers until June 29th. After this date, however, the group must vacate the area, otherwise he will contact the police.

Interestingly, it is unclear how the caravans got onto the field and who exactly they were. The group, which comes from France and says they want to vacation in Germany, raises questions. Is it a large family, several families, private long-term travelers or an organized community? This circumstance is reminiscent of the “gens du voyage”, a specific population group in France that has long faced similar challenges. Loud myfrance.com The roots of this group go back to 1912, when French authorities introduced the term “nomads”. The identification document at the time, the carnet anthropométrique, was a sign of systematic surveillance and exclusion. Today the gens du voyage include various groups such as Tsiganes, Roma, Sinti and Yenish.

The way of life of the Gens du Voyage

The gens du voyage consist of an estimated 400,000 people, about a third of whom travel regularly. In theory they have the same rights as other French people, but the reality is often different. Only 32% of their children attend kindergarten and only 19% make it to secondary school. The legal obligation for communities to set up rest areas is only fulfilled by less than half, which often leads to illegal rest areas that are generally uninviting. This situation often causes tensions between the traveling population and the local communities.

An example of the challenges that nomadic groups face is the image of the Wodaabe in Niger. This traditionally nomadic population has experienced changes in their lifestyle under the pressure of increasing population pressure and urbanization. According to research by the Max Planck Institute, many Wodaabe have begun to settle in cities while continuing to maintain their traditional ways of life. This dynamic shows how identities and lifestyles have to adapt to modern circumstances, while not losing the connection to one's own culture mpg.de reported.

Local reactions and outlook

The situation in Fehrbellin therefore raises the question of how dialogue between travelers and the local population can be promoted. Tensions and prejudices are not uncommon and require solutions that do justice to both sides. The farmer, who is looking for a solution, has currently given an ultimatum. It remains to be seen whether there will be an amicable relationship or whether the police will actually have to intervene.

Overall, the incident in Fehrbellin shows that the issue of travelers and the treatment of nomadic communities must be considered beyond local borders. The stories and conditions of the gens du voyage in France and the Wodaabe in Niger are not only cultural issues, but also social work that cannot be ignored, especially in today's world.