LondonBerlinDemocracy The Berlin housing crisis - a view from outside

LondonBerlinDemocracy The Berlin housing crisis - a view from outside

Berlin and London share a close partnership between the two cities as well as comparable challenges in key areas of urban development. The event series "LondonBerlinDemocracy" takes these connections as a starting point to discuss current political issues from a comparative perspective.

The opening event focuses on the housing crisis: while the challenges of London's housing market have been evident for decades, housing has also become one of the most pressing social and political issues in Berlin. Rising rents, insufficient housing supply and structural changes since German reunification have had a lasting impact on Berlin's housing market. At the same time, the balance of power between the public sector and private actors has shifted.

Against this backdrop, fundamental questions arise: What is at stake for social and cultural life when so many cannot afford a decent home? How can a fair balance between tenants and landlords be achieved? What role does the real estate sector play? What scope for action do local governments have? And to what extent can instruments of direct democracy, such as referenda, contribute to solutions?

The event approaches these questions from an external perspective and brings them into dialog with local experiences. In conversation with experts from London and Berlin, current developments will be analyzed and different perspectives on the situation will be discussed. Speakers include Dr Tim White (King's College London) and a Berlin-based expert. Chaired by Dr. Robert Keeling (difgl, London). The event is open to anyone interested in housing, urban development and the politics of cities.