Canarias Advocates for Public Housing and Mediation to Address Evictions

In a recent press conference, Podemos Canarias underscored the urgent need for decisive measures to tackle the escalating housing crisis in the Canary Islands. The party’s leadership is calling for immediate action to protect vulnerable families facing eviction, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by rising rents and housing shortages.

Strategic Initiatives to Prevent Evictions

On Monday, regional spokesperson Noemí Santana presented three pivotal initiatives aimed at preventing evictions and enhancing housing accessibility for residents. These proposals include the establishment of a public housing agency, the implementation of social rents, and the requirement for mediation prior to any eviction proceedings. Santana stressed the critical nature of these measures, especially given the looming evictions that threaten families in Ingenio and Carrizal.

Creating a Public Housing Agency and Implementing Social Rents

The envisioned public housing agency would empower local administrations to take a more active role in the housing market, ensuring that residents have access to stable and dignified rental options that are insulated from the speculative tendencies of the private sector. This agency would serve as a counterbalance to the market forces that often drive up rents and displace tenants.

In tandem with the establishment of this agency, Podemos proposes that major property owners be mandated to offer social rents. This requirement would create a safety net for tenants, ensuring that evictions cannot occur without prior mediation efforts aimed at finding viable housing solutions. Santana articulated the necessity of these measures, stating, “These are perfectly legal and necessary measures. If they are not implemented, it is not due to a lack of tools, but rather a lack of political will.” She pointed out that the national Housing Law, while not exhaustive, does allow for significant actions in urgent housing situations, such as those currently affecting families with children in Ingenio.

Critique of Current Housing Practices and Urgent Call for Action

During her address, Santana did not hold back in criticizing the actions of property funds that have imposed what she labeled as “clearly abusive” rent increases, effectively forcing tenants out despite their willingness to pay reasonable rents. She argued that these funds prioritize speculation over the fundamental right to housing. Furthermore, she condemned the “institutional passivity” that enables such exploitative practices to persist, urging for immediate and robust action to safeguard residents from displacement.

To strengthen their advocacy efforts, Podemos plans to collaborate with the legal team from the platform Right to Shelter, aiming to prevent the anticipated wave of evictions. Santana made it clear that if local administrations fail to act swiftly, the situation will be escalated to both the Canary Parliament and Congress. She referenced successful initiatives in cities like Barcelona, which have implemented similar measures, countering claims that such actions are impractical in the Canary Islands.

In addition to these proposals, Podemos is advocating for tax reforms designed to penalize vacant properties and mitigate speculation in the housing market. Santana reminded the public that tax laws are influenced by political decisions, urging the regional government to clarify its position on whether it stands with families or with hedge funds. This call for transparency is crucial as the community grapples with the implications of housing policies on their everyday lives.

Throughout her remarks, Santana emphasized that the establishment of a public housing agency, the introduction of mandatory social rents, and the requirement for prior mediation are not radical proposals but rather practical solutions aimed at safeguarding housing rights. She warned that failure to implement these measures promptly could leave thousands of individuals in a state of despair, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Key points

• Podemos Canarias has proposed three key measures to combat evictions: a public housing agency, social rents, and mandatory mediation.
• Noemí Santana highlighted the urgent need for these measures due to imminent evictions in Ingenio and Carrizal.
• The public housing agency would provide stable rental options free from private sector speculation.
• Major property owners would be required to offer social rents under the proposed measures.
• Podemos plans to collaborate with Right to Shelter to prevent evictions and escalate the issue if necessary.
• Tax reforms are also being proposed to penalize empty properties and curb speculation.
• Failure to implement these measures could result in significant distress for many families.