German Coalition Seeks to Ban Housing Expropriation Referendums

The black-red coalition government in Germany, comprising the CDU/CSU and SPD, has introduced an economic program that includes a provision to prohibit popular initiatives for housing expropriation. This move directly targets the "Deutsche Wohnen & Co. enteignen" referendum, which seeks to socialize major housing corporations. The coalition argues that such referendums undermine property rights, but critics see it as an attack on direct democracy. Article 14 of the Basic Law states that property entails obligations and expropriation is only permissible for the public good. The coalition's plan would effectively block citizens from voting on measures to curb the market power of large real estate companies. The proposal has sparked debate about the balance between property rights and democratic participation.