Under the slogan “Housing costs us our lives,” the mobilization aims to highlight the growing problem of housing access and the impoverishment of the population. The march will start at 12:00 PM from Atocha and will go through the city center to the Sevilla area, culminating in a gathering at Sol with speeches from social groups and musical performances.
“"In Madrid, we are already dedicating up to 70 percent of our salary to rent."
During the presentation of the demonstration, spokespersons emphasized how the housing crisis affects all aspects of daily life, pointing to the current model of temporary contracts, constant price increases, and the forced displacement of residents to more distant and affordable municipalities. This situation was also linked to the deterioration of mental and physical health for many people, making it impossible to develop stable life projects.
This year's call stands out for its ambition and the broad participation of neighborhood organizations, trade unions, anti-eviction platforms, as well as entities such as FRAVM, CGT, Ecologistas en Acción, Bomberos contra los Desahucios, and the State Coordinator for the Defense of the Pension System (Coespe). These organizations are working on a sustained mobilization process, which could lead to a general strike if no changes occur in the short term.
“"Rights are not given, they are conquered."
Among the main demands are the recovery of indefinite rental contracts, lower prices, an increase in the minimum wage and pensions to 1,500 euros, the creation of a public housing stock outside the market, and an end to temporary and room-by-room contracts. Additionally, speeches criticizing those who blame migrants or vulnerable groups for the crisis were made, advocating for collective organization and disobedience against abuses.
In a related incident, the Carabanchel Housing Union reported the eviction of a resident and her two children on Camino Alto de San Isidro street in Carabanchel, despite efforts to stop it. The collective denounced a large police deployment and the absence of the judicial commission, which prevented any negotiation. The eviction was carried out around 12:00 PM on Wednesday, and the union has announced new mobilizations for May 19 in Tetuán to try to prevent further evictions. The Government of the Community of Madrid regretted the eviction but stated that the courts must rule on the matter and that the executive is working to increase housing supply.
