German contest to live in depopulated Soviet-era city proves global hit
2 days ago
- #Germany
- #migration
- #urban renewal
- A city in formerly communist east Germany launched an innovative contest offering free housing for a fortnight to curb depopulation.
- The competition, called Probewohnen (trial living), received over 1,700 applications from around the world.
- Two winners, both German professionals, will move into furnished flats in Eisenhüttenstadt in September.
- One winner, Melanie Henniger, is interested in returning to her eastern roots, while the other, Jonas Brander, is making a documentary about the city.
- Eisenhüttenstadt, built post-WWII as a socialist model city, has seen its population halve since reunification in 1990.
- The city faces challenges like a shrinking, aging population and a skilled labor shortage, leading to far-right political support.
- Despite challenges, the city promotes its affordable housing, green surroundings, and job opportunities to attract new residents.
- One family from another European country is moving to Eisenhüttenstadt independently after hearing about the Probewohnen program.