What if a city took tens of thousands of apartments away from corporate landlords? Berlin is debating exactly that. Supporters say it is the only way to stop soaring rents. Critics call it a dangerous step. Why?
Berlin’s housing crisis has become one of Germany’s most divisive political issues. After winning the Berlin election, the Left Party is pushing a plan to bring around 160,000 apartments owned by large housing companies into public ownership to help curb rising rents and give tenants greater security.
Supporters argue that previous housing policies have failed and that public control could make housing more affordable. Critics, including many economists and the leadership of the conservative Christian Democratic Union, warn the move will undermine property rights, deter investment, and fail to address the city’s housing shortage.
Germany’s constitution explicitly allows for socialization, though the measure has never been used before, and the level of compensation required remains hotly debated. However it works out, the proposal is set to reshape Berlin’s housing market for years to come.
Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
