Barcelona Housing Advocates Protest Ahead of Presidential Visit

Key Takeaways

• Housing advocates in Barcelona blocked major traffic arteries to protest current housing policies as the Spanish government prepares to pass a new decree.
• Demonstrators are targeting the visit of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is scheduled to attend an awards ceremony at the Palau de Congressos on Monday evening.
• The movement seeks immediate legislative action against rising rents and evictions, following significant public unrest triggered by recent housing-related tragedies in Madrid and L'Hospitalet de Llobregat.

Context and Triggers

• Recent cases have galvanized the public: the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen in Madrid and the suicide of Olga in L'Hospitalet after a decree suspending evictions was repealed.
• The Sindicat de Llogateres has dismissed government promises as inadequate, demanding a transition back to indefinite rental contracts and stricter limits on vulture funds.

Government Action vs. Public Skepticism

• The Council of Ministers is set to approve a housing decree on September 29, reportedly including measures to limit speculative property purchases and regulate seasonal rentals.
• Despite these plans, the Madrid Tenants' Union and other groups warn the decree may be "empty of content," specifically citing the omission of indefinite rental protections.
• Further commemorations and protests for the victim identified as Olga are scheduled for October 3 at Plaza Pío XII.