2023-11-29 14:15:15
BarcelonaA judicial entourage escorted by six police vans this morning evicted Eloísa and her two children from the flat they had been living in since 2019, in block 1-3 of Carrer Parlament in Barcelona, in the Poble-sec neighborhood. They had a vulnerability report, and had become an emblem of the fight for decent housing in the city. Entities and neighbors demanded that a social rent be guaranteed, pointing out the report, but the property has kicked them out without negotiating “at any time”, according to the Poble Sec Neighborhood Union.
The dozens of residents who have gathered in front of the building’s doors have not been able to stop the second eviction attempt. The first attempt, two months ago, gained traction when the Mossos arrested a 67-year-old neighbor who was trying to stop him. The block had since become a symbol of the struggle for housing in Barcelona, and two floors are still occupied to fight against speculation.
The union explains that the Mossos have identified all those who protested against the eviction and that they have threatened that whoever stayed would be punished. Then they went to Eloísa’s flat and broke down the door. The union says she suffered an anxiety attack.
When Eloísa entered the flat, in 2019, she had no papers, and a vulnerability report was made. The neighborhood and housing associations consider this to be a reason to claim a social rent in accordance with the state housing law. Instead, they report that the property, Queyfour SL, has refused to negotiate. The union blames the Delarratea family, owner of Queyfour SL. But they also blame the municipal government of Jaume Collboni, who they believe should have mediated and with whom they have had no contact, contrary to what happened with Ada Colau’s team.
The law on the right to housing obliges to open negotiations between the property and the affected person before evicting anyone from a home, but it came into force when this eviction was already decreed. Sources from the City Council explain that since before the previous eviction, and since 2019, the case has been “monitored and supported” by the Housing services, and that they have worked to obtain a social rent, but the property has rejected it. They also ensure that the Intervention Service in situations of Loss of Housing and Employment (SIPHO) continues to monitor the case.
Housing alternatives
Eloísa has been on the waiting list at the emergency desk for housing for three years. As of Wednesday, there are more than 750 families on the waiting list, and the process to get social emergency housing can drag on for years, according to several housing organizations. Without social rent or emergency housing, Eloísa is already looking for alternatives. According to the Poble-sec Neighborhood Union, the rent of a room is being studied, which could be partially covered by social services.
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