House occupied at foot of Zurichberg: Scene moves into building apparently slated to become a consulate

A house occupation in Zurich's affluent Hottingen district has brought a diplomatic quandary to the forefront. A group of occupiers, calling themselves 'Familie Schlosser,' have taken over a property on Eidmattstrasse 33, which has been vacant for years. The building's owner is the Republic of North Macedonia, raising concerns about a potential diplomatic incident.

The occupiers posted a notice on the gate, explaining their actions as a protest against the profit-driven housing market, rising rents, and gentrification. They stated their intention to live in the house and expressed a desire for open contact with neighbors, signing off with the slogan "Alles wird besetzt!" (Everything will be occupied!).

This particular property has a history linked to the former Yugoslavia. Records show that in the 1960s, the Zurich cantonal government exempted the People's Republic of Yugoslavia from fiscal duties for the consulate building at this address. In 1997, issues concerning the Yugoslav consulate, including noise complaints from people waiting for appointments, were discussed in the city council, highlighting past administrative challenges.

The occupation adds a new layer to the building's complex past, transforming a potentially diplomatic asset into a site of local activism amid Zurich's ongoing housing affordability crisis.