Gregor Gysi expressed skepticism regarding the housing nationalization plans proposed by the Left Party’s leading candidate, Elif Eralp. Speaking to Politico, the politician asserted, “It’s not enough; we also have to build additional apartments”.
Gysi stated that his primary concern is ensuring there is a sufficient supply of homes. While acknowledging that 57 percent of voters supported the nationalization of large private housing companies in a recent referendum, he believes the underlying problem persists. He pointed out, “Then we won’t have houses” according to Gysi.
In his view, nationalization could assist in reducing rents and granting greater influence over the housing market, but these measures require faster processes. He added that to incorporate private investors, involved regulatory processes would need to be streamlined. The core goal of his party, he emphasized, remains making Berlin affordable. Gysi concluded by stressing, “Every person has a right to live in decent, affordable housing for themselves. And we cannot guarantee that right right now”.
