Macht der Immobilienkonzerne: Bei der Wohnungsfrage geht es um Demokratie

The article, published by taz, a German newspaper known for its independent journalism, is authored by Georg Diez. It tackles the pressing issue of housing within the framework of democracy, emphasizing that a democracy must ensure adequate housing to maintain its legitimacy. It highlights the systemic failures in addressing the housing crisis and critiques the current political responses that often resort to simplistic solutions.

Currently, West Germany faces a shortage of 1.2 million apartments, according to a study by the Pestel Institute. This shortage occurs alongside a significant vacancy rate in commercial buildings, particularly in urban centers. Diez argues that the persistent linear thinking of political leaders leads to inadequate responses to the complex housing issue, often defaulting to "build more" as the sole solution.

The author insists that the debate surrounding housing must be politicized and approached from a systemic perspective. He suggests that addressing ownership, responsibilities, and the political economy of real estate is crucial for developing effective solutions. Initiatives like the Berlin vote to democratize housing and counter the power of real estate corporations should not be postponed, as they represent essential steps towards resolving the crisis.

Diez points out that current economic conditions, such as rapidly increasing rent prices, indicate a market failure that cannot be addressed with mere construction efforts. He stresses that the political system must adapt and respond more effectively to these economic challenges, rather than relying on outdated solutions that overlook the complexities of the housing market.

The article proposes that rather than simply increasing housing stock, innovative approaches should be explored to repurpose existing spaces. For instance, transforming single-family homes on the outskirts of cities into multiple units could provide substantial additional housing. There are approximately 16 million such houses in Germany, and if just 10% of these could be converted, it would create 1.6 million new apartments—significantly exceeding current political promises.

Diez argues that the housing question is not just a matter of real estate but intersects with various societal issues, including climate change and economic inequality. He emphasizes that the housing crisis has the potential to drive significant innovation and discussions on broader social questions, making it a central theme in contemporary politics.

The article concludes with an appeal for collective action and support for independent journalism, emphasizing the need for accessible critical information in addressing complex societal issues such as housing. The publisher encourages readers to participate in supporting independent journalism to ensure continued discourse on vital topics like housing, democracy, and sustainable living.