Berliners vote to expropriate large landlords in non-binding referendum

FILE PHOTO: Protesters carry a banner reading "Housing for all" during a demonstration against rising rental costs for flats in Berlin, Germany, September 11, 2021. REUTERS/Christian Mang/File Photo

BERLIN (Reuters) -A majority of voters in Berlin wants city hall to expropriate major landlords such as Vonovia and Deutsche Wohnen to help reduce rents in the German capital, provisional referendum results showed on Monday.

Around 56% cast a ballot in favour of the non-binding initiative, compared to 39% against, Berlin government said following Sunday's vote, which was held alongside elections for the city government and the national parliament.