Germany Proposes Law Letting Municipalities Block Property Sales To AfD Members

Germany's construction ministry has proposed a draft law that would give municipalities the power to block property sales to individuals deemed enemies of the constitution.

“Germany’s ministry of construction has submitted a new draft law that would give municipalities the right to buy up property rather than let it fall into the hands of “enemies of the constitution””

Brussels Signal

The provision is tucked inside a 174-page package presented by Housing Minister Verena Hubertz of the SPD.

Brussels Signal

The ministry framed the bill as a measure to streamline construction and enhance urban security.

The critical clause granting municipalities a right of first refusal based on political criteria was omitted from the public summary.

The draft allows municipalities to intervene if there is concrete evidence justifying the assumption that the purchaser actively supports activities against the free democratic basic order.

The draft law's definition of anti-constitutional activities is notably broad and does not require illegality.

Marc Bernhard condemned the proposal as unconstitutional extremism by the SPD.

Harici

The timing coincides with a rise in the AfD's fortunes.

Observers warn the law could set the stage for political ideology tests for real estate buyers.

Critics argue the provision is designed to keep right-wingers from owning homes.

“Germany could bar AfD politicians from buying property New proposals include granting local authorities the right to stop individuals deemed ‘anti-constitutional’ from purchasing real estate in their municipalities”

ICLG

The involvement of the intelligence service places executive judgment close to private transactions.

The proposal operates in the same conceptual space as efforts to designate the AfD as anti-constitutional.

Whether the provision survives intact remains to be seen.