Housing Crisis in Spain: Tens of Thousands March in Barcelona to Protest Skyrocketing Rent Prices
Massive Protest in Barcelona’s City Center
Tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading, "Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living" and "The people without homes uphold their rights."
Housing Crisis in Spain: A Growing Concern
The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. According to a report by the Bank of Spain, nearly 40% of Spaniards who rent dedicate an average of 40% of their income to paying rents and utilities, compared with the European Union average of 27% of renters who do so.
Rise in Rents: A Growing Concern for Young People
The rise in rents is causing significant pain in Spain, where traditionally people seek to own their homes. Rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters, including tourists. Many migrants to Spain are also disproportionately hit by the high rents because they often do not have enough savings.
Call for Rent Strike
Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for Barcelona’s Tenants Union, which helped organize the protest, called for a "rent strike" and cease paying monthly rents in a mass protest movement. "I think we the tenants have understood that this depends on us. That we can’t keep asking and making demands to the authorities and waiting for an answer. We must take the reins of the situation," Arcarazo said.
Conclusion
The housing crisis in Spain is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The lack of affordable housing is not only affecting young people but also migrants who are struggling to make ends meet. The government must take concrete steps to address this issue, including implementing rent control measures and increasing the supply of affordable housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the average rent for an apartment in Barcelona?
A: The average rent for an apartment in Barcelona has doubled in the last 10 years, from 7.2 euros ($7.50) in 2014 to 13 euros this year.
Q: What is the percentage of Spaniards who rent and dedicate more than 40% of their income to paying rents and utilities?
A: Nearly 40% of Spaniards who rent dedicate an average of 40% of their income to paying rents and utilities, compared with the European Union average of 27% of renters who do so.
Q: What is the Spanish government’s solution to the housing crisis?
A: The Spanish government has implemented a rent cap mechanism that can be applied to areas deemed to be "highly stressed" by high rental prices. Rent controls can be applied to areas with high rental prices, and Catalonia was the first region to apply those caps.
