German Government Faces Constitutional Challenge Over Housing Nationalisation Ban
The German federal government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has announced plans to introduce legislation prohibiting states from nationalising large housing companies, directly responding to the successful 2021 Berlin referendum on expropriation. The initiative Deutsche Wohnen & Co enteignen (DWE) has declared the move unconstitutional, citing Article 15 of the Basic Law. DWE spokesperson Karla Hildebrandt has criticised the government's approach, highlighting opposition from the real estate industry and banks. The group is preparing for a new legislative referendum to advance its goal of socialising housing. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between federal and state powers over housing policy in Germany.
Key facts
- The Merz-led federal government plans a law to ban states from nationalising large housing companies.
- The law explicitly targets the 2021 Berlin referendum on expropriation.
- DWE spokesperson Karla Hildebrandt calls the plan unconstitutional, citing Article 15 of the Basic Law.
- DWE faces resistance from the real estate industry and banks.
- The initiative is preparing a new legislative referendum.
- The dispute highlights federal-state tensions over housing policy.
- Article 15 of the Basic Law allows for socialisation of property under certain conditions.
- The 2021 Berlin referendum resulted in a majority vote for expropriation of large landlords.
Entities
Institutions
- Deutsche Wohnen & Co enteignen (DWE)
- Bundesregierung
- der Freitag
Locations
- Germany
- Berlin