Switzerland's oldest occupation Owner has had enough: Gisi Winter in Winterthur is threatened with eviction

For nearly three decades, the "Gisi" in Winterthur has stood as a symbol of left-wing resistance and alternative living in Switzerland. Located on General-Guisan Street, this building has been occupied since 1997 and has become a central hub for political activism, cultural expression, and community life within the city's leftist circles. However, recent developments suggest that its long-standing occupation might soon come to an end. The property’s owner, the real estate company Terresta AG, has issued an ultimatum requiring all occupants to vacate the premises by July 31. Failure to comply could result in legal action, including filing charges for trespassing, and potentially lead to police intervention.

The decision by Terresta AG comes after a thorough inspection revealed significant fire safety deficiencies. According to the company, critical safety regulations were not being met, such as insufficient escape routes, the absence of a security plan, and unclear lines of responsibility among occupants. These issues have raised concerns about potential risks to both residents and the broader public. In response to these findings, Terresta AG has declared the use of the building illegal and issued a formal notice prohibiting further occupancy. This move has sparked immediate controversy among the occupants, who reject the claims made by the property owner.

In their statement, the occupants—represented by the collective "Häuservernetzung Winterthur"—deny allegations of non-compliance with fire safety standards. They argue that the accusations are unfounded and serve as a pretext to evict them. Instead, they believe the true motivation behind the eviction lies in the financial interests of Terresta AG, which is affiliated with the Stefanini Foundation (SKKG). The occupants claim that the foundation aims to clear the building to carry out renovations and subsequently rent out the apartments at high prices. They accuse the company of using the issue of fire safety as a justification to remove them from the premises, despite the lack of a construction permit for any planned renovations.

The history of the "Gisi" dates back to 1997, when it was occupied shortly after another autonomous living and cultural space in the area was forcibly removed. Over the years, the building evolved into a self-managed space where individuals experimented with alternative lifestyles and engaged in political activities. Despite ongoing conflicts with local authorities and the property owners—including a previous threat of eviction in 1999—the "Gisi" remained a cornerstone of the leftist scene in Winterthur. Its significance extended beyond just housing, becoming a platform for artistic expression, social gatherings, and ideological discussions.

The occupants emphasize that they will resist any attempt to evict them without a fight. They criticize the approach taken by the SKKG, arguing that it seeks to displace them without providing adequate alternatives. Furthermore, they highlight the lack of a construction permit for the proposed renovation, suggesting that the eviction is premature and lacks proper justification. Their stance reflects a deep sense of attachment to the building and its role in fostering a unique community that has thrived over the past three decades.

Terresta AG, represented by Claudia Siegle, maintains that the fire safety concerns are genuine and must be addressed immediately. She asserts that the company does not want to bear the risk of liability should a fire occur due to the current conditions of the building. While acknowledging that the construction permit is still pending, she insists that the safety issues are separate from the renovation plans. The company has expressed its intention to restore the historically significant structure in the old town of Winterthur, but the specifics of the future use remain uncertain. As tensions escalate between the occupants and the property owner, the fate of the "Gisi" hangs in the balance, with the possibility of a forced removal looming over the community that has called it home for almost thirty years.