Associations and unions from seven European countries are calling for demonstrations against the high cost of living on November 20, 21 and 22

Unions and housing rights associations from seven European countries called on Tuesday November 3 in Paris for "coordinated demonstrations throughout Europe" against the high cost of living on November 20, 21 and 22. After disparate demonstrations in several European countries, representatives of Spanish, French, Italian, British, Portuguese, Greek and Belgian organizations, meeting in Paris, said they hoped to bring together "millions" of people in the streets.

In a "crucial moment" of purchasing power crisis in Europe, "we have decided to coordinate to move forward together", declared Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for the Confederation of Spanish Tenants' Unions, at the origin of this meeting, during a press briefing. Their main demands concern a “guarantee of the right to housing” and “control of housing, food and energy prices”. They also include more general social and political demands such as increased wages and pensions.

“Taxation of the rich” among the demands

It is a question of "guaranteeing public services, in particular education, health and public housing", the "right to work" without "excluding migrants", of promoting "taxation of the rich" and of demanding "the end of rearmament policies" and development of "fossil energies", listed Carme Arcarazo.

In Spain, the main unions have called a general strike on November 11 to advance their demands on housing and wages before the snap legislative elections on November 29. “By millions, we will take the streets and show that the people must lead and not the billionaires,” launched Benjamin Ball, member of the coordination of the yellow vests, also present at the meeting. The CGT and Solidaires unions are also participating in the appeal, as is the Droit au logement (DAL) association.