Emilia Tsagaratou
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of central Barcelona on 23/11 to protest the rising cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination, following a call by more than 4,000 tenants’ associations and unions. Demonstrators blocked traffic on main boulevards in the city center,holding placards that read slogans such as “Less apartments for investment and more houses for living,” “It’s over! Let’s lower the rents’ and ’Homeless people stand up for their rights’. They demand a 50% reduction in rents and call for a strike if the housing situation is not improved. Organizers claimed over 125,000 people took part. This mobilization is a continuation of those that have taken place recently in Spain, such as on October 13 in Madrid and the corresponding ones in Malaga and Seville.
High housing costs have become a major issue in Spain, as in many other parts of the world. The average rent in the country has doubled in the past 10 years – the price per square meter has risen from 7.2 euros in 2014 to 13 euros this year, according to online property website Idealista. Skyrocketing rents are even more severe in big cities like Barcelona and Madrid, while incomes, especially for young people, have fallen sharply. A key factor driving the increase in rent prices is short-term rentals mainly for tourists, while immigrants are the ones who are mainly affected by the expensive rents.Prime Minister Sanchez organized a “housing summit” involving government officials and property developers last month. But Barcelona’s Tenants Union boycotted the event, saying it was like calling a cancer cure summit and inviting tobacco companies to participate.
Carme Arkarathos, a spokeswoman for the Union, said tenants should go on a “rent strike” and stop paying their monthly rent en masse. “I think we tenants have realized that it’s up to us. That we cannot continue to ask and make requests to the authorities and expect an answer.We have to take matters into our own hands,” said Arkarathos. “So if the landlords don’t reduce the rent,then we will force them to do so.”
Published in the newspaper Before (30.11.24)
What are the main causes of Barcelona’s rental crisis that have led to widespread protests?
Interview with Carme Arkarathos: Addressing Barcelona’s Rental Crisis
editor, Time.news: Thank you for joining us, Carme.On November 23rd, tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Barcelona to protest against the soaring rental costs. Can you give us an overview of what sparked this important mobilization?
Carme Arkarathos: Thank you for having me. The protest was a reaction to the unbearable rise in rental prices in Barcelona, were the average rent has more than doubled in the past decade. Thousands from over 4,000 tenants’ associations and unions came together to demand a 50% reduction in rents. the slogans we used, such as “Less apartments for investment and more houses for living,” highlight our core message: the need for affordable housing that prioritizes residents over short-term tourist rentals.
Editor: It’s remarkable to see such a large turnout. What do you believe this says about the current housing situation in Spain and specifically in Barcelona?
carme Arkarathos: This overwhelming response shows the urgency of the housing crisis. Manny people, especially young professionals and immigrants, are being pushed out of the market due to skyrocketing rents.The financial burden caused by short-term rental schemes for tourists has exacerbated the situation, making it difficult for locals to find affordable housing. The government’s response has been inadequate, and it’s clear that tenants feel the need to take control of their circumstances.
Editor: you mentioned that your union boycotted a recent housing summit organized by Prime Minister Sanchez. Can you explain the reasoning behind this decision?
Carme Arkarathos: Absolutely. We view the involvement of property developers in discussions about tenant rights as inherently flawed. It’s akin to calling a cancer cure summit and inviting tobacco companies. Our absence at the summit was a statement that tenants’ voices need to be central in these discussions, not sidelined or co-opted by those with vested interests in high rents.
Editor: There’s a growing call for a “rent strike” as a means to force landlords to reduce rents. How effective do you believe this strategy will be?
Carme Arkarathos: A rent strike can be an effective tool for tenants to express their dissatisfaction with the rental market. By collectively refusing to pay rent, we can compel landlords to recognize and address our complaints. This situation underscores the sentiment that if we want change, we must take matters into our own hands. It’s about empowering tenants to stand up for their rights and demand action.
Editor: Looking ahead,what practical advice can you offer to tenants struggling with high rental costs?
Carme Arkarathos: First,I encourage tenants to organize within their communities. Forming or joining tenant associations can provide much-needed support and resources.Secondly, staying informed about housing rights and laws is crucial. Lastly,don’t hesitate to speak out—whether through protests,social media,or local government.The more we push for change collectively, the more likely it is indeed that we will be heard.
Editor: Thank you, Carme, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that the fight for affordable housing is more critical than ever in Barcelona and beyond.
Carme Arkarathos: thank you for having me. We must continue to advocate for our rights and uphold the value of housing as a basic human right. Together, we can make a difference.
