Politik mit Anne Will Politik mit Anne Will

Wie radikal ist die Frage nach bezahlbarem Wohnen? Mit Sebastian Kurtenbach

Sep 25, 2026 · 1h 16m

Summary

In this episode of "Politik mit Anne Will," host Anne Will discusses the housing crisis in Germany with sociologist Sebastian Kurtenbach, author of "Die Wohnkrise." They analyze how the lack of affordable housing threatens democracy by fostering frustration and radicalization, particularly in areas affected by structural change. The conversation also evaluates the political implications of recent state elections, specifically the Left Party's victory in Berlin and its proposal to socialize large housing stocks, while questioning the feasibility and risks of such radical solutions.

Topics discussed

Neiman Marcus advertisement Introduction: The housing crisis as a societal issue Guest introduction: Prof. Sebastian Kurtenbach Impact of housing costs on labor markets and trust in state Housing insecurity and political radicalization Where populism lives: Regional patterns and voter motivations Housing as a trigger for broader societal grievances Critique of political solutions: Socialization vs. myths Neiman Marcus advertisement Recent elections: AfD and Left Party results Left Party's radical proposal: Socializing housing stocks Financial risks and feasibility of socialization Antisemitism within the Left Party and voter perception The electorate of the Left Party: Academic and young voters Key election topics: Social security and housing Housing market dynamics: Students, academics, and rent spreads Historical context: Urban transformation and market liberalization The 2021 Berlin referendum and current coalition conditions Legal hurdles: Article 15 of the Basic Law and compensation Alternative solutions: Land policy and construction costs Existing instruments: Municipal land and federal proposals Federal government response and communication strategy The role of local municipalities and practical solutions Erosion of trust in political problem-solving Immediate relief measures and community spaces Construction methods and social housing preservation Long-term governance: Stakeholder committees and goals Deregulation myths and the need for consensus Conclusion and podcast outro
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