Initiative calls for socialization as a top priority for the coalition

Shortly before the state party conference of the Berlin Left in the evening, the “Expropriate Deutsche Wohnen & Co.” initiative called on the party to make the socialization of apartments the top priority in possible coalition negotiations. “The Left won the election with a very clear promise: to finally implement the referendum and socialize the apartments of the large real estate companies,” said the initiative.

The democratic will of the city's population must therefore be a top priority in the coalition negotiations, said a spokesman for the initiative. The criteria for socialization have long been clarified: change of ownership from private corporations to the public sector and compensation at 40 to 60 percent of the market value and refinancing of this amount from rental income. In addition, there must be broad opportunities for tenants to have a say in the management of the apartments.

Initiative calls for clear regulations

The initiative is looking forward to the upcoming exploratory discussions: “Socialization is the best way to combat displacement and housing shortages in the long term,” the spokesman further emphasized. Implementation could begin at any time. “We therefore expect a clear regulation in the coalition agreement as to when and how socialization will be decided in the House of Representatives.”

In the referendum launched by the initiative five years ago - on September 26, 2021 - there was broad support of almost 58 percent for the issue. The initiative is committed to socializing large housing companies in return for compensation.

The topic is considered controversial in upcoming exploratory and possible coalition talks. The Left and the Greens are in favor of socialization, SPD leading candidate Steffen Krach clearly spoke out against it during the election campaign. The Berlin Left wants to vote at a party conference this evening on whether to invite the Greens and the SPD to exploratory talks.