The Left (déi Lénk) say that the government’s recent housing proposals continue to focus on the private market, displaying a lack of action amid counterproductive tax gifts. Spokesperson Gary Diderich told RTL the government had let down renters, failing to introduce a cap on rents, which he said showed where their priorities lie. “This is more important to them as an economic sector, so they can earn money in housing and keep investment lucrative in this sector,” the politician said. The announcement did not inspire confidence in the government’s intentions to create affordable housing for residents, he added.
The CSV-DP coalition’s fiscal measures are more likely to favour developers and other big investors, Diderich continued. Years ago, the Left proposed an alternative path, which the party continues to push for today, saying municipalities and ASBLs should recruit staff to become active on the housing market, buying and renovating properties. “We calculated that around 1,000 properties could be made available in this manner,” Diderich said.
Instead, the opposition says the government has deliberately chosen to support wealthy developers and promoters. “The Minister of Finance has not fallen on his head, he understands fiscal policy,” commented the Left’s David Wagner. He added that he was left with the impression that the minister was not entirely convinced that the proposed measures will help tenants or smaller owners.
The financial aid will be widely distributed without making it clear whether the measures have had an impact, according to the Left. Any hope for an improved situation will be left to the market, and thus, to chance.
