Furious protesters in a popular Spanish city are demanding access to affordable housing and an end to the touristification of their city.
A rally attended by tens of thousands of people was held a week ago in Valencia under the slogan “Valencia is drowning” (València s’ofega).
Organisers want the city to be declared a stressed area and are demanding a ban on tourist apartments and the strict regulation of hotels.
Furthermore they are calling for a cap on rental prices and the creation of more social housing.
The demonstrations have been provoked by rising rental and property prices, that in some cases are driving people out of the city.
Antonio, a 76-year-old pensioner, told lasexta.com website that he had been forced to move 40 kilometres from Valencia to find affordable accommodation.
“I have an average pension, and nothing was less than 600-700 euros,” he said.
“I would have to spend half my pension on rent.”
The soaring rental prices have affected old and young people alike, as they struggle to live off their wages.
Madrileño said he had to pay almost 50% of his income on paying for rent.
“It’s 400 euros. I earn 1,040 and you have to add food and other expenses,” he explained.
Since the demonstration over a week ago, protesters have set up a camp in front of the City Hall, consisting of around 20 tents.
The demonstrators say they will continue their “sit-in” until at least Sunday and “will fight for everything”.
“We will not give up until we achieve our goals because our lives depend on it,” Alba Font, a spokesperson for the camp, told elpais.com
“The camp is a political strategy built day by day. We have reclaimed the Town Hall square and made it ours, as a symbol of neighbourhood resistance.
“Now we are taking a step further: if we don’t have a home, the square alone is no longer enough for us. We want everything and we will fight for everything.”
Valencia attracts 2.2 million visitors a year – double its population of 839,770.
It is one of Spain’s most popular cruise liner destinations and home to three UNESCO World Heritage Declarations.
