Cost of living: Unions and associations call for demonstrations in seven European countries at the end of November

Unions and associations defending housing rights from seven European countries announced on Tuesday “coordinated demonstrations” on November 20, 21 and 22. Meeting in Paris, Belgian, British, Spanish, French, Greek, Italian and Portuguese representatives are demanding measures on housing, food and energy, as well as an increase in wages and pensions.

Housing occupies a central place in their demands. In the European Union, house prices increased by more than 60% between 2010 and 2025, and rents by around 29%. In 2024, more than 16.5 million households, or 8.2% of European households, would spend more than 40% of their income on housing.

Housing, food and energy

Faced with this pressure on purchasing power, the organizations are calling for a “guarantee of the right to housing” and “control of housing, food and energy prices”. Their appeal also concerns public services, the right to work without exclusion of migrants and the taxation of the rich. They also demand an end to rearmament policies and the development of fossil fuels.

This joint mobilization comes after several national movements. In Spain, the eviction in September of an 87-year-old retiree, who died a few days later, sparked demonstrations and put housing at the center of public debate. Snap legislative elections have been called for November 29, while major unions are calling for a general strike on November 11. In Portugal, camps appeared in October in Lisbon and Porto.

“Coordinate to move forward together”

In France, the mobilization of high school students for educational resources and against Parcoursup preceded demonstrations against the high cost of living involving unions and yellow vests. Rallies also took place in Greece, Germany and Italy. A “youth strike” is also planned for November 20 in twenty countries, at the initiative of a Portuguese association of students against fossil fuels.

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