City politicians convened: Art therapy prescription controversially opposed by CDU, AfD, and the public in Paunsdorf, as captured on video.

In a recent city council meeting on August 27, Green city councilor Chantal Schneiß introduced a novel proposal, dubbed "Art on Prescription". This initiative suggests that doctors could voluntarily prescribe cultural activities to promote patient health.

The proposal, which was put to a vote, received a large majority in favour. However, it encountered opposition in the district of Paunsdorf, where it was ultimately rejected.

CDU councilor Julian Schröder, who voted against the proposal, expressed concerns about potential costs and bureaucracy. He stated, "there seems to be a tendency of Green proposals: more administration, more expenses, more bureaucracy."

Schneiß, on the other hand, described "Art on Prescription" as a "sensible supplement to medical and therapeutic treatments". She argued that art and culture could play a significant role in improving mental health, an assertion backed by the World Health Organization's recognition of the positive effects of art and culture in 2019.

CDU councilor Falk Dossin, however, contradicted the claim that the proposal would not cost anything. He highlighted that both the model project and scientific accompaniment would require resources.

The CDU faction in Leipzig's city council believes prejudices against people with mental health issues are particularly prevalent in the district of Paunsdorf. In response, CDU councilor Schröder invited Schneiß to accompany him to Paunsdorf to ask the people what they thought of "Art on Prescription".

Meanwhile, Green city councilor Katharina Krefft accused Schröder of wanting to divide society with his comments on the proposal. The debate over "Art on Prescription" has sparked a broader conversation about mental health, art, and the role of government in promoting well-being.

It's important to note that Leipzig is currently waiting for its budget to be approved. The city administration is now commissioned to increasingly incorporate the offers and possibilities of art and culture into communication and to specifically promote them among practicing physicians and medical practitioners.

However, no further information was provided about the scientific accompaniment for the "Art on Prescription" proposal or the estimated costs and resources required for its implementation. The absence of a toxicologist in the council to supplement the statements about the proposal was also noteworthy.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how "Art on Prescription" will shape mental health care in Leipzig and whether it will overcome the opposition it faced in Paunsdorf.

City politicians convened: Art therapy prescription controversially opposed by CDU, AfD, and the public in Paunsdorf, as captured on video.