Regensburg's historic old town is grappling with a paradox: vacant properties are on the rise while rents continue to climb. This issue has become the central battleground in the city's mayoral runoff election, pitting Gertrud Maltz-Schwarzfischer of the Free Voters against Markus Burger of the Christian Social Union (CSU).
During a live debate on Bavarian Broadcasting's "jetzt red i extra," both candidates pledged to tackle the pressing problem. Maltz-Schwarzfischer emphasized the need to repurpose empty buildings more swiftly, while Burger pointed to existing municipal programs that he argued should be accelerated.
Despite strained city finances, both contenders advocated for further investments, focusing on expanding public transport and bolstering social services. However, details on how to fund these initiatives remained vague throughout the debate.
Beyond vacancy rates, the campaign has been shaped by concerns over housing costs, tourism management, and public safety. High living expenses are burdening many residents as the city grows, prompting calls for sustainable tourism strategies to preserve quality of life in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed center.
This Sunday's runoff will determine who leads the city for the next six years, with the outcome wide open after no candidate secured an absolute majority in the first round. Voter turnout is expected to play a decisive role.
For citizens, the election hinges on everyday practicalities: affordable housing, reliable infrastructure, and safeguarding the historic urban landscape. The coming term will test whether promised solutions to vacancy can take hold and if investments can materialize despite tight budgets.
