Hundreds of people who have been camping in tents in Sol Square in the center of the capital Madrid since September 26 are waiting for the decision of the Council of Ministers to be held on September 29.
Alicia del Rio, one of the spokespersons of the Madrid Tenants' Union, who participated in the protest in Sol Square, argued in her statement to the press that their priority condition is the indefinite extension of rental contracts based on the consumer price index (CPI) if the tenants fulfill their obligations.
Stating that they want house rental contracts, which are currently valid for a maximum of 5 or 7 years in Spain, to be extended indefinitely and to make indefinite rental contracts with increases depending on the CPI, Rio said, "A tenant whose contract is about to expire should not face the risk of being evicted. Our indispensable part of the decree to be issued by the government is indefinite rental contracts. Extending the lease contract periods is not the only solution." he said.
Stating that they will carry their actions in Madrid to other cities of Spain, Rio said, "We took to the streets with mass participation. Moreover, this situation is happening not only in Madrid but also in many other parts of the country. It is now time to turn these demands into reality and turn to the new housing model. We will continue the struggle." he said.
Support for activists from Director Almodovar
Artists also supported the action held in Sol Square, one of the symbolic points of the demonstrations in Spain. The action reminded us of the weeks-long demonstrations launched on May 15, 2011 by the social movement known as "The Indignants", which emerged against the economic crisis.
Famous Oscar-winning director Pedro Almodovar attended the protest in Sol Square.
"Mari Carmen was the last straw. It is an absolutely intolerable situation for Spanish society. Those who have political responsibility must solve this problem, because they are the ones who govern us. The housing problem, which prevents many young people from stepping into an independent life, paralyzes life in Spain," Almodovar said in his statement to Spanish television RTVE. he said.
The government continues its negotiations to issue a decree that will reassure the public.
The Socialist Workers Party (PSOE), the major partner of the minority left-wing coalition government, continues its negotiations with the junior partner Sumar Alliance, which insists on harsh measures, and the small parties that support the government from outside.
Measures such as banning investment funds from purchasing housing and income tax reduction for tenants, stopping evictions for a period of time, regulating seasonal or tourist rentals, preventing forced evictions from homes, controlling rent increases, building state-supported housing and direct financial support for first-time homeowners are the main items of the political negotiations.
The main opposition right-wing People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party announced that they would not support the government, although they have not yet seen the package of measures to be taken regarding the housing crisis.
The Royal Decree, which is expected to be issued tomorrow by the government that supports the demonstrations and finds the reactions justified, will come into force after its publication in the Official Gazette. In order for the decree to become permanent, it must be approved by the Parliament within 30 days.
In a possible rejection of the decree, there is a risk that the government will fall and the general elections, which would normally be held in the spring of 2027, will be postponed.
PP, Vox and the Union for Catalonia (Junts) party, which has recently withdrawn its support from the government, voted against all three bills brought by the government to the Parliament in this legislative period to stop forced evictions related to the housing crisis, preventing their legalization.
Mari Carmen, symbol of the housing crisis: "Be brave, continue the struggle and defend what belongs to you"
87-year-old Mari Carmen, who has become a symbol of the housing crisis in the country and was evicted from the house she had been renting for 70 years on September 23, by court order and police force, continues to be kept in the hospital for control purposes.
Carmen, who was visited by some ministers and politicians, said in the message she sent from her hospital bed via social media: "I would love to be there, in that camp area, and join you in the struggle. Unfortunately, I do not have the opportunity. That's why I call out to all of you from where I am: Be brave, continue the struggle and defend what belongs to you. Be careful, continue the camp as long as your body allows and you want to continue. I hope all of this will reach a successful conclusion." he called.
