Podemos Canarias Threatens Legal Action Over Housing Crisis in the Canary Islands

Podemos Canarias has announced plans to initiate legal proceedings against the Government of the Canary Islands if specific housing regulations are not enacted. The party’s leadership is increasingly alarmed by the ongoing housing crisis, which they argue is exacerbated by the rapid expansion of tourist accommodations at the expense of local residents.

Tourism’s Impact on Local Communities

Recent findings by Podemos Canarias reveal a troubling trend: in six municipalities across the Canary Islands, the number of tourist accommodations has surpassed the number of registered residents. This alarming statistic has prompted the party to call for urgent intervention from the regional government. Should the affected areas fail to be designated as high-pressure zones under the State Housing Law, Podemos intends to pursue legal action.

The municipalities in question include Adeje, Mogán, Yaiza, Tías, Pájara, and San Bartolomé de Tirajana. In Yaiza alone, there are over 62 tourist beds for every 100 residents, highlighting a troubling shift towards a tourism-driven economy that undermines the fundamental right to housing. Podemos argues that this trend is indicative of poor governance and planning, which favors speculative investments while displacing essential community members such as teachers, healthcare professionals, and local business owners. The party’s concerns reflect a growing sentiment among residents who feel increasingly marginalized in their own communities.

Government’s Responsibility and Response

Noemí Santana, the spokesperson for Podemos Canarias, emphasized the need for the government to take responsibility. She stated, “Tourism can be a source of wealth, but it cannot consume everything. If we allow housing to become a financial product, we are not just expelling people, but also erasing the possibility of community.” Santana warned that the regional government must act to implement the State Housing Law effectively, or they will face legal consequences.

In light of these developments, the party has urged the government to recognize the urgency of the situation and take decisive action to protect the rights of residents. The call for accountability is not merely a political maneuver; it reflects the deepening crisis that affects the daily lives of thousands of residents who struggle to find affordable housing. The implications of inaction could lead to a further deterioration of community ties and an increase in social unrest.

Strategies for Housing Reform

In response to the housing crisis, Podemos Canarias has outlined a comprehensive plan aimed at converting tourist accommodations into permanent residences. This strategy includes:

• Offering tax incentives for property owners who voluntarily convert tourist rentals into long-term housing.
• Imposing penalties on unoccupied properties in areas with high housing demand.
• Implementing regulations that require long-term rental agreements in certain situations.

The party also advocates for empowering local councils with the necessary tools to manage land use effectively and combat speculation, as permitted by the 2023 Housing Law and the new regulations governing vacation rentals in the Canary Islands. These measures are designed to create a more balanced housing market that prioritizes the needs of local residents over the interests of investors.

Furthermore, it is noteworthy that 80% of the growth in accommodation options within the Canary Islands has been attributed to tourist housing rather than traditional hotels. This surge in short-term rentals has coincided with a significant rise in residential rental prices, which now consume more than 55% of the average income for residents. Santana posed a critical question: “What doctor, teacher, or waiter can afford to live here if everything is listed on Airbnb?” This rhetorical inquiry underscores the dire situation faced by many who work in essential services yet find themselves priced out of their own communities.

Podemos Canarias maintains that safeguarding the housing stock is not an opposition to tourism but rather a necessary social and democratic obligation. They assert that reclaiming homes for local residents is an act of justice and a step towards a sustainable future. The party’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis reflects a broader movement towards ensuring that the benefits of tourism do not come at the expense of local communities.

Key points

• Podemos Canarias plans to sue the Government of the Canary Islands if high-pressure zones are not declared.
• Six municipalities have more tourist beds than residents, indicating a housing crisis.
• Yaiza has over 62 tourist beds for every 100 residents.
• Podemos proposes converting tourist accommodations into permanent housing.
• 80% of accommodation growth in the Canary Islands is in tourist housing.
• Residential rental prices now consume over 55% of the average salary of residents.
• Podemos emphasizes that protecting housing is a social obligation, not an attack on tourism.