Housing Crisis Intensifies as Calls for Nationwide Rent Cap Grow

Protests erupt across Germany while political parties struggle to address soaring rents and housing shortages.

Protests advocating for a nationwide rent cap took place in over 30 cities, including a major demonstration outside the federal housing summit in Berlin.
A recent survey revealed that 73% of Germans support a nationwide rent cap, with strong backing across political affiliations and regions.
Housing costs have surged, with 40% of Germans feeling significantly burdened by rent and utilities, and 13% spending over 40% of their income on housing.
The Greens have proposed a new bill to strengthen tenant protections, but its passage is unlikely due to the lack of a parliamentary majority before the February elections.
The federal government has failed to meet its annual goal of 400,000 new housing units, exacerbating the housing crisis and fueling public discontent.