In Berlin, the proposed expropriation framework law aimed at tackling housing issues is currently stalled due to notable delays. Even though the coalition government of CDU and SPD previously indicated swift progress, no legal assessment to support this initiative is yet in place. Green party member Katrin Schmidberger’s recent inquiry has drawn attention to this sluggishness in moving the bill forward.
The anticipated legal opinion, fundamental to drafting the framework law, has yet to be commissioned. Officials stated it may be assigned by late April or early May, despite previous assurances from Finance Senator Stefan Evers (CDU) about an imminent assessment. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives’ main committee has approved a budget of up to 100,000 euros for this analysis.
The objective is to have a draft of the expropriation law ready before the current legislative period closes in 2026, aligning with upcoming elections. This proposed legislation is intended to offer a legal basis for the state’s involvement in public services, including housing, energy, water, and healthcare, in direct response to Berlin’s soaring housing costs.
The legal analysis is essential for ensuring that any regulations withstand constitutional scrutiny. This framework was agreed upon by coalition partners in their 2023 coalition agreement, inspired by a 2021 referendum in which over 59% of voters supported the expropriation of large property owners in Berlin. A lack of formal legislative action post-referendum means government action is not mandated.
Advocacy groups, like ‘Deutsche Wohnen & Co. enteignen’, have voiced strong discontent towards the government for its inaction, urging the need to uphold voters’ wishes amidst escalating rental prices. The pressure mounts for legislative reform as Berlin struggles with affordable housing, emphasising the urgency of this initiative.
The Berlin expropriation law, aimed at addressing housing challenges, is experiencing delays as no legal assessment has been commissioned. Despite earlier assurances, officials’ timelines have shifted, and advocacy groups criticize the lack of action following a supportive referendum. With rising housing costs, the urgency for legislative reform is evident.
In summary, the expropriation framework law in Berlin faces significant delays with no legal assessment yet commissioned, despite the promises of the CDU and SPD coalition. Pressure from advocacy groups underscores the need for immediate action to translate public support into legislative action. As housing costs in Berlin continue to rise, the urgency of this legal framework grows, compelling officials and lawmakers to prioritise this issue before the next elections.
Original Source: themunicheye.com
