Demonstrators accused institutional landlords, such as banks and insurance companies, of being responsible for high rents. The protesters also blamed Swiss politicians of having close links with the property industry.
Left-wing and far-left groups were behind the demonstration. Representatives of the radical left were the most vocal with anti-capitalist and anti-police slogans.
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Wealthy Switzerland is a country of tenants
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Why do most people in Switzerland live in rented accommodation?
Near the Europaallee, several demonstrators threw beer cans and water bottles at police officers along the route.
A Google office in the area was also the target of protesters’ beer cans and paint, according to a Keystone-ATS journalist present. Several demonstrators damaged a window at the entrance. Hooded individuals also sprayed tags along the march.
Traffic disrupted
The squatter scene was very much in evidence. Members of the Zurich Revolutionary Youth unfurled banners on the Lindenhof and set off fireworks. Residents of the “Sugus houses”, whose leases have been terminated, also turned out in force.
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Mortgage benchmark fall paves way for potential rent cuts in Switzerland
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Switzerland’s national benchmark for mortgage costs dropped to the level it had before the global inflation surge, paving the way for potential rent reductions.
The demonstration, which lasted two and a half hours, started in the city centre, passed via the railway station and ended at Helvetiaplatz. Car and public transport traffic was disrupted in the afternoon.
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