03:18Residents of Berlin's central Mitte district shared mixed reactions on Monday after a referendum to expropriate real estate giants was passed with 56 percent of the vote.
"Expropriation is itself always difficult. Of course there is that aspect in the constitution, that states that this is possible as a last resort, but it is difficult to say whether this is the solution, that the state of Berlin takes over these apartments, and what happens next?" asked Mario.
Rene said, "this was long due. From a professional point of view, the rent is reaching the threshold where it cannot go. We have to put a stop to it."
The initiative, titled 'Expropriate Deutsche Wohnen & co', paves the way for Berlin's Senate to create a law allowing the expropriation of real estate companies owning more than 3,000 units, taking public ownership of the properties.
Fast-rising rents have been a hot topic in recent years in Berlin, as tenants have repeatedly taken to the streets for large-scale demonstrations against gentrification.
Germany: Berliners in Mitte district react to local expropriation referendum
Residents of Berlin's central Mitte district shared mixed reactions on Monday after a referendum to expropriate real estate giants was passed with 56 percent of the vote.
"Expropriation is itself always difficult. Of course there is that aspect in the constitution, that states that this is possible as a last resort, but it is difficult to say whether this is the solution, that the state of Berlin takes over these apartments, and what happens next?" asked Mario.
Rene said, "this was long due. From a professional point of view, the rent is reaching the threshold where it cannot go. We have to put a stop to it."
The initiative, titled 'Expropriate Deutsche Wohnen & co', paves the way for Berlin's Senate to create a law allowing the expropriation of real estate companies owning more than 3,000 units, taking public ownership of the properties.
Fast-rising rents have been a hot topic in recent years in Berlin, as tenants have repeatedly taken to the streets for large-scale demonstrations against gentrification.
Residents of Berlin's central Mitte district shared mixed reactions on Monday after a referendum to expropriate real estate giants was passed with 56 percent of the vote.
"Expropriation is itself always difficult. Of course there is that aspect in the constitution, that states that this is possible as a last resort, but it is difficult to say whether this is the solution, that the state of Berlin takes over these apartments, and what happens next?" asked Mario.
Rene said, "this was long due. From a professional point of view, the rent is reaching the threshold where it cannot go. We have to put a stop to it."
The initiative, titled 'Expropriate Deutsche Wohnen & co', paves the way for Berlin's Senate to create a law allowing the expropriation of real estate companies owning more than 3,000 units, taking public ownership of the properties.
Fast-rising rents have been a hot topic in recent years in Berlin, as tenants have repeatedly taken to the streets for large-scale demonstrations against gentrification.