Eslarn Votes to Retain Street Name Honoring Convicted Priest

A citizen referendum in the Bavarian town rejected renaming a street named after a priest convicted of child abuse, despite prior council approval for the change.

The Bavarian town of Eslarn held a referendum where 57.7% of voters opposed renaming Georg-Zimmermann-Straße, named after a priest convicted of child abuse in 1969.
The town council had previously approved the renaming in May 2024 following advocacy from the Regensburg Diocese’s victims’ advisory board.
Opponents of the renaming, including local residents, cited concerns over administrative burdens and costs, despite assurances from the mayor that no fees would be imposed for address changes.
Critics, including the victims’ advisory board, expressed disappointment, stating the decision missed an opportunity to support survivors and send a strong message against abuse.
The priest, Georg Zimmermann, was convicted and imprisoned for child abuse but remained a respected figure in his hometown, where the street was named after him in 1993.