Protesters in Barcelona Demand Real Housing Reform from Government
El Salto
- Thousands of protesters in Barcelona rallied against the government, demanding concrete measures to address the national housing crisis.
- The movement highlights the forced eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen and the suicide of 54-year-old Olga Matute as symbols of systemic failures in housing protection.
- Housing syndicates are pressuring Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to enact a "Maricarmen Decree" and reject what they call "cosmetic" policy announcements.
Essential Policy Demands
- Automatic renewal of rental contracts to make them indefinite.
- Structural measures to prevent the eviction of vulnerable individuals.
- A freeze on rental prices.
- Reform of the Urban Leasing Law to regulate seasonal rentals and room-by-room leasing.
Political Context
- During a visit to Barcelona, Sánchez acknowledged the need for more affordable housing but stopped short of detailing the upcoming decree.
- Activists express deep skepticism regarding the government's dependence on the Junts party, which has previously voted against eviction moratoriums and supported legislation favoring landlords and large real estate holders.
- Protesters emphasize that they will continue mobilizing until genuine protections are secured, citing past legislative alliances between conservative groups and regional parties as a major hurdle for tenant rights.