“It is hardly affordable for young people to move,” is one of the many reasons why the Socialist Youth drew attention to the high housing costs in Austria during a twelve-hour protest in front of the ÖVP headquarters on Friday. Moving is increasingly becoming a utopia. “Young people are literally cemented into the Mama Hotel,” says Paul Stich, chairman of the Socialist Youth.
The association’s chairman, Paul Stich, blames the failed housing policy of recent years. “Rents are the responsibility of the ÖVP,” he emphasizes. That is why the protest is deliberately taking place at the ÖVP headquarters in Vienna.
As part of the campaign, a typical three-room shared apartment was recreated to illustrate the daily lives of young people. The kitchen? Filled with noodles, rice and beans – all from S-Budget, of course. This landscape reflects the harsh reality of many young Viennese. The protest had several program points related to housing policy. For example, the worst apartment advertisements were commented on in a humorous way.
Activists from the Socialist Youth (SJ) also spoke out loudly and talked about their experiences on the housing market.
Expropriation of long-term vacant residential space
In addition to direct measures such as a rent ceiling and the expansion of starter apartments for young people, the SJ advocates a radical reorganization of the housing market. For example, long-term vacant living spaces that are used exclusively for speculation should become public property again – and thus be able to be expropriated.
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Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
