Bavarian Lawmaker Criticizes Landlord Practices at Subsidized Student Residence

The Bavarian state parliament is addressing concerns regarding high rental costs at a state-subsidized student residence in Gerbrunn, near Würzburg. Jürgen Baumgärtner, chairman of the building committee, voiced strong criticism of the landlord’s practices, labeling them as “modern robber baronism.”

Background

A petition from residents of the student dormitory in Gerbrunn (postcode 97218) prompted the parliamentary committee to investigate the rental situation. Baumgärtner affirmed the validity of the residents’ concerns.

Jürgen Baumgärtner’s Role

Jürgen Baumgärtner (born April 24, 1973) is a German politician representing the Christian Social Union of Bavaria (CSU). He has been a member of the Bavarian Landtag since 2013 and currently serves as the chairman of the committee for housing, construction and transportation. He is also the district chairman of the Frankenwald-CSU since 2010 and represents the districts of Kronach and Lichtenfels in Upper Franconia.

Prior to his political career, Baumgärtner served as a lieutenant colonel in the Bundeswehr, joining in 1994 and progressing through the ranks to Oberstleutnant (lieutenant colonel).

Further Involvement

Beyond his parliamentary duties, Baumgärtner is the chairman of the Frankenwaldgruppe, a local water supplier, and serves on the board of directors of the Helios Frankenwaldklinik Kronach hospital. He was also announced as the Chief Executive Officer of a municipal enterprise forming the University of Kronach, named Lucas-Cranach-Campus, in April 2020.