The state of North Rhine‑Westphalia plans to support its municipalities in tackling derelict buildings by putting forward a resolution in the Bundesrat. NRW Minister‑President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) told the “Rheinische Post” that the issue of abandoned properties had been a national topic ahead of the last local elections, only to be unjustly pushed out of focus afterward.
Derelict properties, coupled with systematic social fraud, have led to the exploitation of residents and generated widespread fear and concern in affected districts. Wüst emphasized the need to move beyond words and take concrete action. He announced that on Friday a Bundesrat initiative would be put to a vote, aimed at granting municipalities greater powers to intervene.
The crux of the problem lies in criminal owners. “We need a right of first refusal for municipalities in compulsory auction proceedings” Wüst explained. “Only then can they take ownership of these buildings and bring an end to the unsustainable conditions”. He urged his fellow state leaders to join the effort, insisting that progress must finally be made.
The initiative also calls for improved information flows between authorities. Police and firefighters must be able to notify job centres when a property is uninhabitable, and the federal government should enable job centres to derive appropriate consequences from such notifications. Wüst concluded that the state must not remain passive in the face of systematic exploitation by criminals and the decay of communities, and that citizens must perceive the government as both willing and able to act.
