Rent protests: CSI demands housing decree on Tuesday

The Confederation of Tenants’ Unions (CSI) is demanding a housing decree by Tuesday as protests are called in 40 cities across Spain. The group says the measure, which it calls the “Maricarmen decree”, must answer a growing public anger over housing. In Madrid, the “Ni una Maricarmen más” demonstration is due to begin at Puerta del Sol on Saturday at 18.30.

CSI spokespersons Carme Arcarazo and Alicia del Río made the demand on Friday, hours before planned protests in Segovia, Albacete, Benidorm, Santander, Ciudad Real, Cáceres, Valladolid and Monforte de Lemos.

Evictions and rent contracts

The proposed decree should contain measures to prevent evictions, CSI says. It also wants Spain’s Urban Leases Law, known as the LAU, changed to regulate seasonal lets and room rentals.

The organisation is calling for current rents to be frozen, effective contract extensions and the automatic renewal of all contracts so they become open-ended.

Call for political backing

CSI has urged political parties to back the decree without reservations. It has also called on the trade unions CCOO and UGT to launch a general strike over housing and the cost of living if the measure fails.

Arcarazo said there was “no point” in the government continuing if the measures could not be approved. Madrid is also hosting the international counter-summit El Barrio, bringing together 70 organisations from 24 countries seeking an international coalition against rentierism.

Topics: Strikes · Jobs & labour · Protests · Housing · Politics · Economy

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com