Hundreds of activists have set up camps in Madrid's central Puerta del Sol square and Barcelona's Placa de Catalunya to protest against evictions and the housing crisis in Spain. The camps sprang up following the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, 87, from her Madrid flat where she had lived for seven decades. Protesters are demanding action from the government to address the issue.
Rufina Parra, a 56-year-old Ecuadorean woman who works as a carer, had been renting a home in Madrid with her family for a decade when their landlord evicted them in 2023. She faced difficulties finding another home due to precarious employment contracts and ended up living in a 30-square-metre basement flat with no natural light for 800 euros a month. Parra is now a volunteer at the Puerta del Sol camp, organising food for demonstrators.
Whalfryd Cruz, a 30-year-old waiter, earns 1,000 euros a month but spends half of it on rent for a room. He considers himself lucky, but knows people who pay the same for a bed in inhumane conditions. Cruz believes that young people can't afford to move out, and that the situation is unfair. He has spent two nights camping out in Madrid to demand solutions to the housing crisis.
Ana Grau, a 50-year-old psychologist, spent a long time unable to leave her partner because she couldn't afford a home for herself and her two children. When she finally left, she could only afford a 20-square-metre flat, where she had to live alone. Grau's landlord easily evicted her since she was renting without a contract. She now rents out the living room to make ends meet.
A young couple, Irene Aguilar, 19, and Juan Romero, 23, are camping in Barcelona, hoping to start a life together but relying on their families. They may have to share a flat with several others, and even then, it's expensive. Aguilar studies and works, while Romero is finishing his studies and looking for work. They believe that the situation in Barcelona is difficult, and that it's hard to save or build a future.
Lois Reinoso, a 31-year-old hospitality worker, joined Barcelona's protest camp after his shift ended at 1:00 am. He spends much of his salary on rent and says prices have reached surreal levels. Reinoso considers himself privileged to live with his partner, but believes that at their age, they shouldn't have to share a home with several people.
The protesters' testimonies highlight the struggles of those affected by Spain's housing crisis. Many are calling for the government to take action to address the issue. The crisis has led to a significant increase in homelessness and people struggling to afford basic necessities.
Key points
- Protesters in Madrid and Barcelona are demanding action from the government to address the housing crisis.
- Many protesters have been evicted from their homes or struggle to afford rent.
- The protesters' testimonies highlight the struggles of those affected by Spain's housing crisis.
