Vonovia has perfected the capitalist exploitation of the basic human need for shelter: apart from outrageously high rents, the company utilizes an endless list of inhumane practices to exploit and terrorize their renters (e.g. systematic fraud in additional costs, general refusal of maintenance, as well as extortion of drastic increases in rent via “modernisations”). Through all of this Vonovia is rapidly advancing gentrification and the housing shortage. Especially in the east of Leipzig this displacement has become increasingly obvious, in hardly any other part of the city the rent is increasing as quickly. Vonovia plays one but not the sole part in profiting massively from this development and in actively advancing it. Our actions are part of the diverse resistance against the so-called ‘valorization’ of neighbourhoods and the displacement of their residents. Militant attacks are one of many means in this fight, they are legitimate and necessary. Direct economic damage drags the ones responsible into the lime light and decreases their profits. But we must not stop there. Let’s work together in many different ways to achieve a city where living together in solidarity is prioritized over the profits of big real estate companies. Let’s create vivd and rebellious neighbourhoods and let’s find ways to connect the various fights against gentrification!
Let’s also not forget about our comrades and friends in other parts of the world. Their struggles are our struggles. The squat “Biologico” in Thessaloniki has been evicted in december of last year. This squat served as a place where social struggles were united with the fights of students and where resistance against valorization and displacement was organized. In their call to action they write: “This one week should serve as another chance for fighters, individuals and groups in Greece, Europe and the whole world to show their solidarity with the squat Biologico which has existed for 34 years and is now at risk of eviction. They should do so with any means necessary and in any way which seems useful. Each eviction has its price. Be prepared, be cautious, solidarity is our weapon.”
We hope seeing the broken windows in Vonovia’s offices brings a smile to the faces of some renters suffering under this company’s harassment.
Let’s burst the bubbles of investors’ dreams! For a city for all!
Source: de.indymedia