The escalating crisis of homelessness in Germany is drawing sharp criticism from within the political landscape, with Jan van Aken, leader of the Left Party (Die Linke), branding the situation a “genuine shame” for the nation. In an interview with the “Rheinische Post”, van Aken intensified calls for a radical overhaul of housing policy, demanding a significant expansion of social housing through construction, acquisition and even the expropriation of large corporations.
Van Aken’s demands represent a pointed critique of the current government’s approach, arguing that it is failing to adequately prioritize the fundamental human need for secure housing. He warned of a burgeoning “rent mafia” capitalizing on the dwindling supply of affordable social housing, effectively pushing vulnerable individuals into homelessness. “Those who don’t have enough money to be exploited risk ending up on the street” he stated, underscoring the precariousness faced by low-income citizens.
Official figures paint a concerning picture, revealing a dramatic increase in both those living unsheltered and those classified as homeless. The BAG Wohnungslosenhilfe (Federal Association for Homeless Assistance) reported approximately 56,000 individuals living on the streets in 2024, a rise from 54,000 the previous year. Compounding the issue, a total of 760,000 people are now classified as homeless, a significant increase compared to 2023.
Van Aken’s pronouncements lend robust support to the BAG Wohnungslosenhilfe’s existing demands, signaling a potential shift in the political discourse surrounding homelessness. While the government has implemented some housing initiatives, critics argue they are insufficient to address the rapidly escalating crisis. The Left Party’s call for more aggressive measures, including potential expropriation, is likely to reignite debate and pressure policymakers to find comprehensive and potentially controversial solutions to safeguard the housing security of Germany’s most vulnerable citizens.