New Owner, same Shit
The social center Friedel54 has received his action for eviction. After a long fight against the displacement by the „CITEC Immo Invest GmbH“ they sold the house to the „Pinehill S.à.r.l.“ with main office in Luxembourg at the end of June. The house community tried unsuccessfully to buy the house with support of the so-called “Mietshäusersyndikat” (syndicate of renting houses), an association that helps in buying property to take it out of the real estate market. Thus, Pinehill bought the house in the knowledge of the Friedel conflict and immediately brought an action for eviction. The lawsuite is effectively the first contact from Luxembourg, as the new owner hasn’t informed anyone of the selling of the house yet. The house community of Friedel54 was under threat of massive rent increases because of the modernisation plans by the old owner. Thanks to the fight of the last months it was possible to stop this, at least partially. Until now.
Therefore, the new owner’s action isn’t merely a challenge to the social center but rather to the house community. At the same time it mirrors the capitalist urban politics. Everything that does not bring maximum return gets displaced. In this logic people with low income and uncommercial spaces are worth nothing.
We still ask ourselves: Who is this “property”?
Since april we receive strange letters with the invitation to “return” the spaces. But why should we give “back” our spaces and to whom? We are those who spread life, love and solidarity in these spaces for more than 12 years! We won’t accept any property right that is based on the interests of a dubious real estate company which only exists since a few months and which is financed by shady sources of capital and wants to displace us with violence. These spaces belong to us and we won’t “return” them! Instead we want more: More solidarity in the neighborhood – more rebellious neighbourhoods – more city from below
In a world where a growing part of our wage is destined for the rent, it is even more important that people struggle against exploitation and other forms of domination. Friedel54 is a place where these people come together and practice resistance. Many other social spaces are standing in a similar situation and are affected by systematic displacement and state repression. We were, we are and we will remain in solidarity with you and with all the others who are threatened by displacement. You are not alone! Because: Solidarity is practical!
The lawsuite is new and we are consulting with our lawyer. Soon we will have a more detailed idea of how much time remains and how we can use it. Be ready and keep your eyes open. We explicitly welcome any kind of solidarity. The bell sounds for the last round and it is up to us to decide who will win.
Don’t lose your grip on the dreams of the past. You must fight just to keep them alive.
Kiezladen Friedel54