During an event at the Teatro Real, the Mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, stated he was unaware of the eviction processes initiated by the EMVS, an entity under his own government. This declaration came after he was confronted by a group of affected residents protesting these actions, who claimed the company refused to meet with them.
“"I was not aware of this. I will call EMVS right now and ensure they receive you. You have the right to be heard."
One of the affected individuals, a 40-year-old mother with three minor children who is up to date on payments, shared her situation, explaining that EMVS seeks to evict her over an old debt she is already paying. She mentioned similar cases in neighborhoods like Usera, Villaverde, Vallecas, and Carabanchel. The affected resident had previously tried to contact the mayor via email, only to be redirected to EMVS without receiving a response.
From EMVS, it is acknowledged that once a conflict is judicialized, there is no direct dialogue, although they assert that attention is always provided before that point. The entity justifies judicial procedures solely in cases of illegal occupation, illegal transfers, or subletting, arguing the need to protect the rights of applicants on the waiting list for public housing.
However, housing activists criticize EMVS's stance, pointing out that numerous judicialized cases involve minor debts that could be renegotiated. They also question the increase in allowances for members of the entity's board of directors, a policy promoted by the mayor's team. EMVS, for its part, denies these claims, assuring that payment plans are always offered and that those genuinely unable to pay are not taken to court.
The protest, described as a “scare tactic” by its organizers, was promoted by the Usera Housing Assembly, the Carabanchel Housing Union, and the PAH of Getafe. They sought to highlight the housing problem in Madrid, especially in the context of an international meeting of municipal leaders being held in the capital.
