The article takes a closer look at the debate among mayoral candidates in Munich as they tackle the pressing issue of housing in the city. Dominik Krause from the Green Party emphasizes the potential for converting over a million square meters of vacant office space into housing, proposing the establishment of a transformation agency to facilitate this process. His perspective reflects the growing concern among voters about inadequate living space and the need for innovative solutions to address this demand.

In contrast, his competitor Clemens Baumgärtner from the CSU argues that the high investment costs associated with Krause’s proposal would unlikely lead to affordable housing options. Baumgärtner stresses the importance of creating incentives for regular housing developments, including expediting approvals for new projects and maximizing existing structures to increase housing density. This highlights a fundamental difference in approach between the candidates as they seek to address the same challenge: how to effectively provide for a growing population in a competitive real estate market.

The ongoing debate among these candidates raises important questions about the future of urban development in Munich. Voters will need to consider not only the feasibility of their proposals but also how each candidate’s vision aligns with community needs. As election day approaches, these discussions will likely play a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing the direction of the city’s housing policy amidst broader concerns over affordability and sustainability.