Regierungsbildung: Rot-Grün-Rot in Berlin will enteignen und Müllproblem lösen

In a recent development, the Left, Green, and Social Democratic parties in Berlin have outlined key points of a potential future collaboration following their government formation discussions. The parties now need to decide whether to start coalition negotiations, which could commence at the beginning of November. A plan to nationalize large private housing holdings of 10,000 or more in Berlin, in exchange for compensation, has been proposed in a joint sifting paper.

The state-owned housing corporations Vonovia and others with similar holdings would retain their existing 10,000 units. The aim is to prevent further rent increases, according to Left Co-Fraktion Vorsitzende Elif Eralp. Genossenschafts (cooperative) and community-oriented entities are excluded from this plan, as are buildings constructed or to be constructed after January 1, 2021.

The process is expected to be reviewed by the Constitutional Court, with legal challenges likely. Compensation is expected to be capped at 16 billion euros. The plan is based on Article 15 of the German Constitution, which allows for the transfer of land, natural resources, and productive assets into public ownership under certain conditions.

The background to these plans is the acute housing market situation in Berlin, with affordable housing in short supply and rents continuing to rise. A majority voted for such a measure in a 2021 citizens' initiative, but no legislative proposal was made. The plans have been met with resistance from the Social Democratic Party leader Steffen Krach, who had previously stated that no evictions would occur if elected.

However, he now speaks of an "absolutely justifiable compromise." Left and Green parties pushed back on this, insisting that evictions should not happen until larger holdings are involved. The plan is not the only thing the Left, Green, and Social Democratic parties intend to do to curb rent increases in Berlin. They also propose a rent ceiling of two percent per year for the approximately 440,000 communal apartments, significantly strengthening measures against illegal "mietwucher" (housing glut), and implementing a massive new construction program, with 100,000 building permits and 100,000 new affordable apartments by 2031.

Another issue they wish to address is the city's waste problem, including providing a free weekly waste collection day and potentially introducing a packaging tax in Berlin. Eralp, who could become the city's first left-wing mayor, aims to counteract the city's divisions, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that unite rather than divide.

She also reiterated the commitment to protect Jewish life, Israel's right to exist, and a two-state solution, including possible sanctions up to factional exclusion in response to antisemitic incidents within left-wing factions.