Berlin Greens Prioritize Affordable Housing and Improved Public Transport Ahead of State Election

The Berlin branch of the Green Party has unveiled its platform in preparation for the upcoming state parliamentary elections, focusing on key issues such as affordable housing and enhancing the city's public transport system. Their comprehensive program, spanning 125 pages, details a series of measures aimed at addressing critical challenges faced by Berlin residents.

Central to the Greens' agenda is the commitment to make housing more accessible and affordable across the city. The party aims to expand support for housing cooperatives, which are seen as a means to ensure stable and long-term rental arrangements. Additionally, the platform proposes stricter regulations to curb the conversion of residential units into holiday rentals, seeking to limit such practices by enforcing laws that prevent the exclusive use of apartments as short-term vacation accommodations.

The Greens also plan to introduce a legislative framework titled the 'Affordable Rents Act.' Under this proposed law, property owners with portfolios of 50 units or more would be required to offer a certain proportion of their apartments at regulated, affordable rates. This measure is designed to counteract the ongoing trend of rising rents and to provide broader access to reasonably priced housing, particularly for low- and middle-income residents.

Beyond housing, the Green Party's program encompasses a broad array of policy proposals across six main sections. These include long-term financial support for animal shelters, the recognition of e-sports as a charitable endeavor, and the comprehensive implementation of mandatory solar panel installations on Berlin's rooftops. The platform also reiterates the party's opposition to development on Tempelhofer Feld, one of the city's most prominent open spaces.

In terms of public transportation, the Greens are advocating for significant investments to modernize and expand the city's bus, tram, and rail networks. The party has criticized the current management of public transit, citing outdated vehicles and infrastructure as well as insufficient funding for new projects. Their strategy emphasizes the need for reliable and punctual services, with the goal of encouraging more residents to choose public transport over private cars, thereby reducing congestion and contributing to environmental sustainability.

The party's leading candidates for the election have emphasized the urgent need to address the city's pressing challenges, including housing shortages and transportation inefficiencies. They argue that their program provides pragmatic solutions tailored to the current needs of Berlin's diverse population.

Additional policy points within the Greens' platform touch on various aspects of urban life, such as environmental protection, social inclusion, and digital innovation. Measures include expanding green infrastructure, promoting renewable energy, and fostering community engagement through public participation in city planning.

The party's approach seeks to balance economic growth with social responsibility and environmental stewardship. By targeting both immediate concerns--such as rent control and transit improvements--and long-term urban development goals, the Greens aim to position themselves as a leading force in shaping Berlin's future.

The final version of the platform is expected to be formally adopted at an upcoming party congress, after which the Greens will begin their campaign with the outlined priorities as the foundation of their electoral message.