Advocates for a coalition between the SPD and The Left argue that the current housing market in Berlin has failed to provide affordable living spaces for the average resident. By making expropriation a condition for government, the parties would be honoring the clear mandate expressed by Berliners in the 2021 referendum. This approach is viewed as a necessary tool to curb the influence of profit-driven corporate landlords who have prioritized shareholder returns over the basic human right to housing.
Supporters believe that the state has a moral and practical obligation to intervene when the market fails to serve the public interest. By bringing thousands of apartments into public ownership, the city could stabilize rents and ensure that housing remains accessible for low- and middle-income families. This policy is not seen as an attack on private property, but as a corrective measure to prevent the displacement of long-term residents from their neighborhoods.
Furthermore, proponents argue that a coalition built on this foundation would provide a strong, unified front capable of implementing bold social policies. Rather than compromising with center-right parties that favor market-led solutions, the SPD could work with The Left to create a robust public housing sector. This would set a precedent for other major cities facing similar crises, demonstrating that democratic governments can successfully reclaim control over essential urban infrastructure.
Ultimately, supporters see this as a chance to restore social balance in a city that has become increasingly unaffordable. They maintain that the financial costs of compensation are manageable compared to the long-term social cost of a city where only the wealthy can afford to live in the center.