- In the city of Zurich, hundreds demonstrated against the state of the housing market. In some cases there were probably more than 1,000 people.
- The rally moved peacefully from Turbinenplatz to Helvetiaplatz.
- Various speeches have denounced the housing shortage and high-yield rents – as well as capitalism in general.
As a reporter from Keystone-SDA observed, there was no major damage to property or attacks on the police. The demonstrators only symbolically smashed a “rental shark” that they had brought with them.
The police limited themselves to blocking off the streets towards the train station and allowed the approved demonstration to run through districts 4 and 5. It lasted a good three hours and broke up on Helvetiaplatz around 6 p.m. Traffic and various bus and tram lines were interrupted for a long time.
Legend:
Hundreds demonstrated against rising housing costs and increasing gentrification in Zurich. (Image from November 4, 2023)
KEYSTONE/Ennio Leanza
Along the way, the demonstrators made several stops for speeches. The housing shortage in Zurich and rents with high returns were denounced. It was said that everyone had the right to find affordable housing.
Pyros and slogans
Several pyros were set off during the rally. The anger was directed against capitalism, and the demonstrators also chanted slogans against the police. There were also several wagons and tractors.
Legend:
The slogans like “Bonze schletze, Hüüser bsetze” were particularly hard. But the many left-wing autonomous people and squatters on the train held back, according to Keystone-SDA.
KEYSTONE/Ennio Leanza
The demonstrators held large banners demanding housing for everyone and the destruction of capitalism. Examples of expensive rentals were sprayed along the route.