(CLO) On Saturday, about 22,000 people took to the streets in Barcelona, Spain to demand lower rents and improved quality of life.
The protest is the latest in a series of housing protests in Spain, as the country grapples with efforts to boost tourism – a key economic sector – and concerns about rising rents as landlords turn to short-term rentals via travel platforms.
Protesters demanding lower rents and better living conditions, in Barcelona, Spain, November 23, 2024. Photo: REUTERS/Bruna Casas
According to data from the Catalonia Housing Authority, rents in Barcelona increased by nearly 70% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2014. This trend puts a lot of pressure on workers, especially young people and low-income families.
"We are spending half our salaries on rent... This has to stop!" Carme, 28, a spokeswoman for a tenants' union, said at the protest.
In addition to Barcelona, smaller protests also took place in Burgos, Asturias and Jerez de la Frontera. Similar protests broke out earlier in 2024 in Madrid, the Canary Islands and Malaga, where many tourism workers were forced to live in their cars because they could not afford the rent.
In response, Spanish authorities have announced controls on short-term and seasonal rentals since July. Platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com are being investigated to verify the licenses of rental listings.
While this is a positive step, many protesters believe that current policies do not go far enough to address the problem. Rising house prices are not only affecting local residents, but also raising concerns about the sustainability of the tourism industry – a major part of the Spanish economy.
Spain’s housing crisis reflects the difficulties faced by major cities in the face of the pressures of economic growth, tourism and the need to improve the quality of life for their citizens. In this context, voices from the protests are increasingly calling for more comprehensive and equitable solutions.
Hong Hanh (according to Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/protest-in-barcelona-requests-to-reduce-house-rent-prices-and-improve-living-conditions-post322650.html
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