Baden-Württemberg housing and austerity protests

In Baden-Württemberg, activists have organized protests to address housing shortages and municipal budget cuts. In mid-October 2026, the Aktionsbündnis Wohnen targeted the long-term vacancy of the Hotel Residenz in Karlsruhe. Protesters held a demonstration and a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony to advocate for converting the building, owned by the Gröner Family Group, into affordable housing for students, trainees, the elderly, and refugees.

The Gröner Family Group responded to the criticism by noting that the building previously housed Ukrainian refugees in 2022 and that rising construction and financing costs have caused delays. The company stated that the city of Karlsruhe approved a new building application in August 2026.

Parallel to the housing protests, groups such as the Landesarmutskonferenz Baden-Württemberg have protested municipal austerity measures. Critics argue that mandated budget cuts, including a 10 percent reduction in material and personnel costs in areas like Bad Cannstatt, disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and threaten social services.