Unleashing the Housing Revolution: Minister Hubertz Speaks Up on ZDF's Lanz
Hubertz expresses a sense of personal accountability
Read all about it! The new federal government has big plans, especially in the realm of housing. Our dynamic, young, and ambitious new Federal Minister of Housing, Verena Hubertz, is READY to take on the challenge of creating new, affordable social housing and streamlining the housing construction process. Tune in tonight at 8 PM on ZDF's Markus Lanz show to catch her in action!
The previous federal government struggled to make significant strides in housing construction. The game's the name now, though. The SPD has the Ministry of Housing once more, and they've brought in a go-getter like Hubertz. Imagine starting a successful startup like Kitchen Stories and then becoming a minister at the ripe age of 37! But this powerhouse isn't resting on her laurels; she's laser-focused on creating what her predecessors couldn't: new social housing. And we desperately need it. Germany's social housing units have dropped by a whopping 75% since the 1980s, leaving us with a meager million units today. Will Hubertz turn the tide on this seemingly insurmountable challenge? You'll have to wait and see in tonight's show!
Storming the Castle Walls: Hubertz's Promises and Challenges
When it comes to setting ambitious goals, Hubertz isn't afraid to put a foot forward. Yet she's not about setting a stone-etched number and chasing it blindly for four years. She's a sensible entrepreneur who knows the world keeps turning—which is why she promised to do her best to build as much housing as possible, measureable by the pace, technology, and tolerance. So, will she hit the 400,000-apartment mark her predecessor aspired to—and failed to achieve? We'll have to stay tuned to find out!
Closing the Red Tape: Hubertz's Visions for a Streamlined Process
Hubertz knows that it's not just the number of apartments that matters; it's also the speed at which they're built. And she's determined to make waves in that department. With her youthful spirit and boundless optimism, she's all set to break down the walls blocking efficient housing construction. She aims to reduce bureaucracy by a whopping 25% and create affordable housing in new buildings, boasting monthly rents of under €15 per square meter.[E1]
But that's not all. To slim down her ministry and get things moving faster, Hubertz initially slashed her team to a tight-knit group of 500 personnel, including around 2,500 subordinate authorities.[E2] Now that's what I call a radical change! Hubertz will discuss all these strategies and more in tonight's episode of Markus Lanz.
Building a Better Tomorrow: Overcoming Challenges and Creating Change
While Hubertz may be full of ideas, she's not blind to the challenges that lie ahead. Economist Matthias Günther believes that achieving rents of less than €15 per square meter in new buildings will be extremely ambitious, especially in big cities like Hamburg, Cologne, and Munich.[E3] On the other hand, he believes it's possible in smaller cities and rural areas as long as certain conditions are considered. By making small changes, like writing construction standards to cost 25 to 30% less, Hubertz might just make her ambitious dream a reality.
But it's not just about the numbers; it's also about eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy. With thousands of norms and regulations to navigate across all federal states, construction projects can take far too long and cost way too much. These regulations sometimes contradict each other, and occasionally, the color of the stones for the driveway is even specified—really?! Hubertz is nipping that in the bud, pushing for change at the Building Ministers' Conference and advocating for a streamlined approach that scales and harmonizes standards.
Stimulating Growth: Aiming for a Construction Boom
Construction is a national matter, and some states are already beginning to dismantle regulations. Take the Hamburg standard, now adopted by Bremen. Hubertz is all for that! But she's not just talking the talk; she's actively working to make things happen. With a laser-focused stance on tackling unnecessary bureaucracy and fostering innovation, Hubertz plans to push forward with sustainable housing projects that deliver on affordability and quality.
While state building codes may not be the sole problem, the economy is. The ongoing rise in financing costs is a significant challenge. As economist Matthias Günther notes, a construction industry stimulus package could be the key to getting things moving again. It's still unclear whether one will materialize, but one thing is certain: Minister Hubertz is ready to take on the challenge, deliver on her promises, and make housing construction great again.
And if she fails? Well, she's still got that Kitchen Stories empire to fall back on! Tune in tonight at 8 PM on ZDF's Markus Lanz show to catch Minister Hubertz as she discusses her plans, shares her visions, and faces the challenges head-on. This could be the catalyst our housing sector needs to turn the tide!
- In her bid to streamline housing construction, Minister Hubertz plans to reduce bureaucracy by 25%, creating an employment policy that encourages innovation and efficiency in the sector, aiming to stimulate a technology-driven construction boom.
- As part of her community policy, Minister Hubertz is determined to make lifestyle improvements for the average German by creating affordable social housing and addressing the lack of units, particularly in sports facilities and recreational areas, to foster a healthier society.
