Activists occupy villa in Leipzig: neighbors over coffee and cake!

Activists occupy villa in Leipzig: neighbors over coffee and cake!

Last weekend, activists once again occupied an empty building, the “Villa Krause”, in Leipzig. This action is part of a broader movement to draw attention to the unfair distribution of housing and the problems in the housing market. According to nd-aktuell.de, banners with the inscription “Shaping the neighborhood together” are attached to the villa. The mood on site was peaceful, and a cake buffet was set up in the courtyard, highlighting the activists' neighborhood actions.

The group, which calls itself “Autonomous Occupation Days Leipzig (ABeTa)”, is pursuing ambitious goals by opening the house. She not only wants to combat rising rents and isolation on the housing market, but also strengthen the community. The proposed usage concepts include childcare, homework help, free shops and regular neighborhood meetings.

Actions of activists

On Friday evening, October 11th, the activists had already occupied an empty residential building in the Lindenau district, but it was evacuated by the police that night. They are now investigating trespassing. Up to 70 people took part in a meeting in front of the occupied building. The police deployment was also supplemented by suspicions of further house occupations; The police investigated a property in the center-northwest, which, however, remained unoccupied.

In the most recent action on Sunday, the squatters invited the neighborhood to tour the house together with coffee and cake to present their concerns. Around 35 supporters gathered in the garden of the house. Flyers were also distributed inviting people to the “open neighborhood meeting at Villa Krause”. This initiative is part of the “Autonomous Occupation Days in Leipzig”, which calls for “real social housing now!” support loudly.

Police actions and responses

A large police force was on site after securing the occupied house. As tag24.de reported, the emergency services determined that no people were found in the building. The activists criticize the fact that, despite the existing vacancies, many people in the city suffer from high rent prices and social projects are being cut. This situation should be addressed by occupying and creating common spaces.

The events in Leipzig reflect a growing discontent that is leading to similar protests and squats in many European cities. The “Villa Krause” is now intended to become a space that stands up against social isolation and for solidarity.