Steffen Krach, the SPD leader in Berlin, is opposing plans put forward by Federal Minister for the Interior, Alexander Dobrindt (CSU), which aim to prevent the societalization of tens of thousands of apartments in Berlin. Krach told the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” that the CDU’s actions reveal “sky-high a lack of planning.” He argued that by interfering in the Berlin election campaign with underdeveloped prohibition plans, the union not only escalated the debate over societalization but then complained about the election results afterward. The plan to introduce a federal law against this measure was established in a coalition committee meeting on July 2nd, although it was also agreed upon by the SPD leadership. Left parties, the Greens, and the SPD all cite a passage in Article 15 of the Basic Law that permits such societalizations. Krach emphasized to the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” that Dobrindt must now realize he cannot bypass the constitution, saying he is continually offering up “new wobbly ideas.” While Krach acknowledges he is not personally a proponent of societalizations, he described Dobrindt’s intentions as becoming “increasingly activist and ridiculous.” Under Dobrindt’s proposal, only the market value of the apartments would be permitted for societalization, a cost that would significantly exceed the €16 billion estimated by the Red-Green-Red coalition for up to 160,000 apartments. Furthermore, Dobrindt is insisting on proof that all other means for creating affordable housing have been fully utilized.
Politics
