Podemos Threatens Legal Action Amid Housing Crisis in the Canary Islands

In a bold move, Podemos has declared its intention to initiate legal proceedings against the Canary Islands Government unless it takes decisive action to designate stressed housing zones across the islands. This announcement comes in response to troubling statistics that indicate an alarming trend: six municipalities in the region currently have more tourist accommodations than permanent residents.

Impact of Tourism on Local Communities

The political party is calling on the government to officially recognize these stressed housing zones in various municipalities, including Adeje in Tenerife, Mogán and San Bartolomé de Tirajana in Gran Canaria, Yaiza and Tías in Lanzarote, and Pájara in Fuerteventura. Podemos argues that the overwhelming influx of tourism is displacing local residents, undermining the fabric of these communities.

According to Podemos, the data from these municipalities illustrates a systematic expulsion of long-term residents, driven by an unregulated tourism model that infringes upon the fundamental right to housing. The party is advocating for the implementation of measures outlined in the Housing Law to combat this pressing issue.

For instance, in Yaiza, the ratio of tourist beds to residents is a staggering 62 for every 100 inhabitants. This statistic underscores an urban development model that prioritizes economic interests over the right of locals to reside in their own communities. Podemos has criticized the government for its lack of strategic planning and for favoring speculative investment funds, which have detrimental effects on local workers and families.

Finding a Balance Between Tourism and Local Needs

Noemí Santana, the General Secretary of Podemos in the Canary Islands, acknowledges the economic benefits that tourism can bring but emphasizes that it should not overshadow the needs of local communities. She cautions that when housing is viewed merely as a financial asset, it threatens the very essence of community life.

Santana’s concerns reflect a growing sentiment among residents who feel that their neighborhoods are being transformed into tourist hotspots at the expense of their quality of life. She argues that a sustainable approach to tourism is essential to ensure that local inhabitants can continue to thrive in their own homes.

Proposed Strategies to Alleviate the Housing Crisis

In light of the ongoing crisis, Santana has put forth a comprehensive plan aimed at gradually converting tourist accommodations into permanent housing options. This strategic roadmap includes several key initiatives:

• Offering tax incentives for property owners who voluntarily convert tourist accommodations into residential units.
• Imposing penalties on properties that remain vacant for extended periods.
• Implementing mandatory clauses that require long-term rental agreements to ensure stability for tenants.

Furthermore, Podemos advocates for empowering local councils with the necessary tools to regulate land use effectively and combat speculative practices. This approach would leverage provisions in the recently enacted 2023 National Housing Law and the upcoming Holiday Housing Law, which is currently under consideration by the Canarian Parliament.

Consequences for Local Residents

Podemos highlights a staggering statistic: approximately 80% of the growth in lodging within the Canary Islands in recent years has been attributed to properties designated for tourist use, rather than traditional hotels. This surge in tourist accommodations has coincided with a dramatic increase in rental prices, which now consume over 55% of the average salary in the region.

Santana raises a poignant question regarding the future of essential workers in the islands, asking, “What doctor, teacher, or waiter will be able to afford to live here if everything is listed on Airbnb?” Her inquiry underscores the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that immediate action is necessary to address the housing crisis that is affecting the very backbone of the community.

Key points

• Podemos threatens legal action if the Canary Islands Government does not declare stressed housing zones.
• Six municipalities have more tourist beds than residents, leading to local displacement.
• The party demands the implementation of measures from the Housing Law to protect residents.
• In Yaiza, the ratio of tourist beds to residents is over 62 to 100.
• Podemos proposes converting tourist accommodations into permanent housing with various incentives.
• 80% of lodging growth in the Canary Islands has occurred in tourist-use properties.
• Rental prices now consume over 55% of the average salary in the region.