Germany is approaching a snap election on February 23, amidst a deepening housing crisis that is affecting political sentiment. The Left Party, Die Linke, is highlighting the issue of high rents, which experts state could lead to increased support for far-right parties like the AfD. A study shows that each one euro increase in rent per square meter can raise the likelihood of support for the AfD by 4% among low-income residents. This trend is particularly pronounced among long-term residents who are vulnerable to displacement due to rising housing costs, which can shape electoral outcomes significantly.
Rising rent prices at the neighborhood level in Germany increase support for radical right parties. For every euro increase in rent, support for AfD rises by 4%.
The drive toward the right is strongest among long-term residents with lower incomes who often lack the financial buffer to protect against displacement.
Just the threat of losing social or economic status can influence voters in powerful ways, as research on Donald Trump's rise in the United States has also concluded.
Local housing cost pressures, much like job insecurity, can fuel political discontent and shape electoral outcomes.
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