How Europe’s housing crisis is fuelling a new movement
Summary
Housing prices and rents have risen sharply in Europe, making it harder for many people to find affordable homes. In response, housing campaigners from across the continent gathered in Madrid to protest evictions and push for policies like rent control and longer rental contracts.Key Facts
- Housing prices in the EU rose 53% between 2010 and 2024, while rents increased by 25% in the same period.
- Some countries, like Estonia, saw rents increase over 200%, while others like Ireland and Hungary had rent hikes above 100%.
- Vienna has maintained more affordable rents due to a large amount of public housing.
- Campaigners held a "counter-summit" in Madrid to oppose treating housing as a financial investment.
- An 87-year-old woman was evicted from her longtime apartment in Madrid, sparking protests and a temporary camp.
- The European Citizens’ Initiative launched a petition calling for tenant protections, rent control, and policies to convert empty buildings into homes.
- In Berlin, the left-wing party Die Linke gained support by focusing on housing issues, becoming the city’s strongest party.
- Protests in Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Seville, and Palma de Mallorca have followed the Madrid demonstrations.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
