Berlin approves senior housing plan as left calls for constitutional right to housing

The Berlin district council of Pankow, led by the SPD faction, adopted a "Wohnen im Alter" (housing for the elderly) proposal with a large majority. The measure calls for barrier‑free apartments, age‑appropriate adaptations to existing stock, easier housing swaps and new living forms so seniors can remain in their familiar neighbourhoods. Implementation will involve the district administration, city‑development and social committees, housing companies and senior representatives.

At the same time, the German Left party (Die Linke) demanded that the right to housing be enshrined in the German constitution. Party leader Luigi Pantisano argued that housing is a human right, warned against speculative ownership, and urged the federal government not to cut housing benefits (Wohngeld). He also said the party would work to make Berlin more affordable and support the appointment of Elif Eralp as mayor.