structural development

“For me, it’s always about the big picture: strengthening the region’s attractiveness and fighting for it!”

Some people know him as “Rapper Lars” , others know him through his work as a district ambassador for the DGB , some people have already noticed him at the SPD Cottbus - and now he is also regional manager for “Green Business” at the SPD LEAG . And he is also a committed member of the Initiative for the Preservation of German Mining Regions . Lars Katzmarek grew up in Forst, attended school in Cottbus, trained as a mechatronics engineer in the mining industry, then took up evening studies to become an electrical engineering technician and, in addition to all his obligations, is also involved as a works council member.

At the last Lausitz Café he was present as a host to explain LEAG's conversion plans towards renewable energies in conversation with citizens and to answer questions about energy supply and security.

The UBL blog took the opportunity to interview this convinced Lusatian and fighter for the region.

Hello Mr. Katzmarek, as a district ambassador for the DGB and as regional manager for green business at LEAG, you are committed to the development of Lausitz. Can you tell us more about what your positions entail and how you want to shape the future of the region?

Lars Katzmarek : Of course, with pleasure. As a district ambassador, I also work to ensure that Saxony and Brandenburg are viewed as one Lusatia. I even go one step further and also think about cooperation with Poland, because we are all Europeans and should work together for a positive future. My role as Regional Manager for Green Business at LEAG is primarily about converting the region to renewable energies. We plan to install 7 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030 and even 14 gigawatts by 2040. This includes projects such as solar and wind energy, but also hydrogen power plants and storage as well as green heating solutions.

Can you attribute the “growing together” of the two federal states in which Lusatia is located to something?

Lars Katzmarek: Yes, when I look specifically at the Saxon area, with the Schwarze Pumpe industrial park we have the first interface where you can say that people are already 'practicing' thinking of Brandenburg and Saxony together (smiles).

Lars Katzmarek at the lecture in the Lausitz Café Schleife on February 2nd, 2024

That sounds like an exciting and ambitious agenda. What is your opinion on the current developments in the Görlitz district and the surrounding region?

Lars Katzmarek : Görlitz has a very special charm, especially the old town. It always feels like home when I'm there... By the way, I think there's my very personal highlight in Görlitz, the hotel "Insel der Sinne" on Lake Berzdorf , such an oasis of peace and the ambience...that's what Görlitz does even more unique, I think.

Economically, it's great to see what's coming into the research landscape: the German Center for Astrophysics , the CASUS Institute , that's quite remarkable, also as a symbol for rural areas. But of course there are also challenges, especially in relation to demographic change and the lack of housing. You can currently feel this in my “boomtown” Cottbus - as a couple with two children you have to spend 1500 euros a month for a 100 square meter apartment. In general, it can be said that it is necessary to ensure that young people can stay in the region or return by creating attractive offers and improving the quality of life.

...and that applies to Brandenburg as well as Saxony...

Lars Katzmarek: Yes, of course, which is why I have long wanted Saxony and Brandenburg to think together at this point! It makes no sense to only advertise for the Brandenburg part of Lusatia, because the Saxon side faces the same challenges.

At the end of the Lausitz Café, the host Katzmarek explained the most frequently asked questions and their answers again in front of the assembled audience

As a convinced Lusatian and Cottbus resident, have you already noticed positive developments in terms of the youth-friendliness of your hometown?

Lars Katzmarek: I have to say: absolutely, yes. In terms of quality of life, entertainment, transport connections, leisure value and jobs, of course, a lot has happened. But I believe that there have always been very rich offerings in a city like Cottbus. It starts with the art and culture scene, then there is children's and youth theater, a conservatory, there are film nights and a lot of sports activities. This is very important. It ranges from football to racing cycling, athletics and much more - fortunately a city like Cottbus does not have the problem of a lack of attractiveness or lack of offerings - but the cities and towns in rural areas do. In my graduating class, 80-90 percent of school graduates moved away, but that hurts but shows that we can do a lot to make the regions so attractive so that we can create a concrete offer to return people.

You are also politically active: as a state parliament candidate for the SPD in Cottbus. How does this fit in with your other roles?

Lars Katzmarek : I believe it is important that young people get politically involved and take responsibility. As a candidate for state parliament, I would like to represent the interests of Lusatia, more specifically Cottbus, at a political level and help bring about positive changes. It is another opportunity to express my passion for the region and contribute to its development.

Thank you Mr. Katzmarek - it was a pleasure for us to talk about how we can shape the future of our region together!