Berlin spends billions on migrant accommodation, but asked its own residents surviving in freezing, dark apartments to cough up for hotel stays

Berlin faced backlash after asking residents affected by a power outage to pay for hotel stays, while nearby migrant centers were evacuated and rehoused at public expense. The city spent €883 million in 2024 to house refugees, raising questions about priorities. The Senate later reversed course, reimbursing hotel costs for affected residents.