Berlin’s governing mayor, Kai Wegner of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is intensifying pressure on the federal government to provide more robust support to states battling rampant rent speculation and the proliferation of furnished rental properties. In an interview with the Tagesspiegel, Wegner argued that more decisive action is urgently needed, particularly concerning the enforcement of Berlin’s extended rent control measures.
Wegner’s call for increased federal assistance comes amid ongoing criticisms surrounding the efficacy of the rent brake and accusations of widespread circumvention by landlords. He specifically requested that the federal government empower regional authorities to impose stricter sanctions against those violating rent control regulations. The extended rent brake, recently approved, is seen by many as a crucial but fragile tool in preserving affordability within the capital.
The mayor’s appeal underscores a growing political rift. Wegner’s demand for federal intervention directly challenges the current approach and implicitly critiques the perceived lack of proactive measures from Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU-led coalition. He emphasized that the coalition must prioritize policies which drastically reduce construction costs-a multi-faceted challenge demanding targeted financial incentives, a significant reduction in bureaucratic hurdles and the acceleration of planning and approval processes. The recently announced “construction acceleration” initiative is acknowledged as a potential benefit, but considered insufficient by Wegner.
While acknowledging positive developments, notably the anticipated achievement of new construction targets by Berlin’s municipal housing companies, Wegner stressed the necessity of a collaborative solution. He insisted on the vital roles of housing cooperatives and private investors in addressing the “social question” of our time. However, the stark reality remains that reliance on private investment alone is unlikely to adequately address the affordability crisis, fueling questions about the long-term viability of Berlin’s housing market and the political will to enact meaningful systemic change. This calls into question how much responsibility remains with local municipalities versus the need for a unified, national strategy.
