The campaign to fix a severe housing crisis could propel the Left party into leading the Berlin regional government for the first time following upcoming weekend elections, according to polling data and local reports. Candidate Elif Eralp stands to become the capital’s first Turkish-German mayor, though polls show an exceptionally tight race between the Left and the incumbent conservatives.
Housing Shortages and Affordability Crisis Fuel Electoral Shifts
Finding a place to live in Berlin has turned into a daily nightmare for residents, with official data showing current rents running 69% higher on average than in 2016. More than 80% of Berliners rent their homes, marking one of the highest tenant rates in the country, according to public housing records. These high costs collide with relatively low average salaries and an unemployment rate of 10.6%, creating intense financial pressure across the city’s neighborhoods.
To tackle these pressures, the Left party has made housing its primary battleground. The party proposes seizing residential properties from large corporate landlords like Deutsche Wohnen—which owns more than 100,000 apartments in Berlin—to place them under state control and secure affordable rates, fulfilling a mandate backed by voters in a 2021 referendum.
Did you know? Berlin’s population has grown by nearly half a million residents since 2011, reaching 3.9 million, while public debt has climbed past 69,000 million euros, severely limiting new infrastructure and housing construction.
Political Landscape and the Rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD)
Public dissatisfaction with the ruling conservatives has opened a clear path for opposition gains. Incumbent conservative leader Kai Wegner faced heavy public criticism for playing tennis while parts of Berlin suffered a blackout during a freezing cold snap following an attack on energy infrastructure, leading the party to replace him as candidate with Stefan Evers. Political researcher Peter Matuschek from the Forsa polling institute notes that voter discontent stems largely from unfulfilled promises on education and housing, leaving ample political room for parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Polling indicates the right-wing AfD could double its previous support to reach roughly 18%, putting it neck-and-neck with the Left at 20% to 23% and the conservatives at around 20%. While trendy central districts lean heavily toward the Left and the Greens, eastern districts like Marzahn-Hellersdorf serve as strongholds for the AfD. In Marzahn-Hellersdorf, where rows of East German Plattenbauten dominate the landscape, local resident Martina cites immigration and housing as her primary motivations for supporting the AfD, stating that the party addresses immigration concerns directly.
Conversely, other residents voice strict opposition to the far-right surge. Sigrid Kussman, an 88-year-old resident who has lived in Marzahn since 1973 and survived World War II, expressed deep concern over the political climate. “I don’t know why now the situation is getting out of hand again,” Kussman said, emphasizing the dangers of forgetting historical conflicts.
Voter Mobilization and Anti-Extremism Effects
The unexpected victory of the far-right in the state of Saxony-Anhalt has triggered a counter-mobilization among left-leaning voters in the capital. Political analyst Peter Matuschek highlights a measurable anti-AfD mobilization effect that has boosted support for both the Greens and the Left in recent polling. Elif Eralp emphasized to foreign media that electing a mayor with a migration background would send a strong signal against the platform of the AfD, which centers its policies on opposing individuals with migrant histories.
Despite the high visibility of national debates, everyday life in the multicultural capital remains shaped by coexistence. Official statistics show that 41.7% of Berlin’s residents are either foreign nationals or possess a migration background, a demographic reality that includes numerous refugees accommodated in the city following arrivals from Syria and Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is housing so expensive in Berlin?
Berlin faces a massive supply deficit driven by a population increase of nearly 500,000 residents since 2011, paired with high public debt and limited new construction. Consequently, average rents have surged 69% since 2016.
What are the main political parties competing in Berlin?
The primary contenders in the tight regional race include the Left party, the incumbent conservatives, the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), and the Greens, alongside the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
What is the Left party’s proposed solution for the housing crisis?
The Left party advocates for expropriating residential properties from large corporate landlords like Deutsche Wohnen to transfer them to state ownership, ensuring long-term affordability for tenants.
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