“Deutsche Wohnen & Co. enteigen”
How realistic is the proposal?

Summery of the interview:

What exactly is "expropriating Deutsche Wohnen" and is expropriation even the right word?

This is not about expropriation, it is about socialisation and communitisation of housing companies. Specifically, it is about an article in the Basic Law, namely Article 15 on the socialisation of land, which in turn is opposed to Article 14(3), which deals with expropriation.

What are the chances that enough signatures will be collected?

I think that enough signatures will come together and we will then have a fourth decision on a referendum for the super elections in Berlin in September.

Why have Deutsche Wohnen and other large corporations become the enemy?

The basic tenor of the discussion, similar to the rent cap, is "free beer for all". It is therefore not surprising that this movement is so popular. The gentrification issue affects everyone out there, no one is able find a flat and if they do, they have to dig deep into their pockets. This creates a general mood, and it must also be said that there are a few black sheep in the real estate industry who have naturally contributed to the fact that the entire industry is not currently in the best light.

Is expropriation the right way to fight rising rents?

The crucial question is: "Can this petition for a referendum succeed at all, even if it gets the necessary number of votes? Incidentally, Interior Senator Geisel could have presented this question to the Constitutional Court in this way instead of allowing the petition to be put to the vote, and it is very unfortunate that he did not do so. The constitutional question then is: "Does the socialisation of German housing companies such as Deutsche Wohnen have to be proportionate?". There is actually a leading commentary on the Basic Law that says: "No, there is no proportionality test." I have to say that for me, proportionality is the be-all and end-all of constitutional law.

The goals that are being pursued are quite legitimate and socialisation is certainly appropriate. But the question is: “Is it necessary or are there other means?” I say, of course there are other means. Among them is new construction, which has been criminally neglected in Berlin.

Is it possible to annul the initiative with a lawsuit if it was decided by the Berliners as a referendum?

At the moment, it is merely a political request to the Senate and not a law that could be complained about. In case of doubt, this request will fall flat, just like the successful petition to keep Tegel Airport open.

You can find the detailed answers, as well as Mr Hellriegel's wishes if he were Federal Minister of Building, in the YouTube video on the 23^rd Real Estate Talk.