One of the rejected decrees included measures such as extending protection against certain evictions of vulnerable people until 2030, an extraordinary extension of up to two years for rental contracts, limits on rent increases, regulation of seasonal and room rentals, and restrictions on certain speculative purchases. The text was defeated by 172 votes to 178, after the PP, Vox, UPN and Junts voted against it.
“MORE STRENGTH TO KEEP FIGHTING”
Among those who followed the vote from Zaragoza was Nora Lice, spokesperson for the Socialist Youth Coordinating Committee, who acknowledged receiving the result “with anger.” Although her group had considered the measures “insufficient” and “a patch” from the outset, she defended them as containing improvements for workers. “We cannot oppose improving the living conditions of the working class,” she said.
Lice believes, however, that the parliamentary rejection once again shifts the focus to mobilization outside institutions. “The only way to achieve things, as has historically been the case, is through the organization and unity of the working class,” she said, advocating for the continuation of assemblies, trade unions and organization in neighborhoods.
The spokesperson explained that the result had not been completely unexpected for those taking part in the protest. Although she acknowledged that it initially caused “anger” and “sadness,” she believes it could become a new boost for mobilization. “This cannot fail to produce the same thing: more mobilization and more organization,” she said.
Sofía Delsa, from Zaragoza’s Tenants’ Union, expressed a similar view. In her opinion, the vote “has only confirmed the little confidence” they have in the parties represented in parliament and strengthens their commitment to collective organization. “It simply reinforces our belief that collective organization is the only way to achieve effective, real improvements that address the root of the housing problem in this country,” Delsa said.
THE CAMP CONTINUES IN PLAZA DE ESPAÑA
The voting result has not changed the plans of the Zaragoza protest camp for now. Delsa confirmed that they would maintain the action “until at least tomorrow,” when a march is scheduled to set off from Plaza de Santo Domingo. “We will go from the camp to the march in large numbers so that it is clear in the streets that Zaragoza is organized, that Zaragoza has had enough, and that there is indignation, anger and a desire to stand up to the housing business,” she explained.
The protest began on Thursday as a demonstration with pots and pans and ended up becoming a camp in Plaza de España. During the first night, around 100 tents were set up despite the rain and, early on Friday, about 80 remained in place. Participants said at the time that they would stay there “as long as necessary,” at least until Saturday’s mobilization.
The Tenants’ Union maintains that the rejection of the decrees has not dampened the campers’ spirits either. “It has not changed the mood at the camp. I think it is more strength to keep fighting,” Delsa said. She explained that they were already preparing activities for the following week with the aim of bringing those who had joined the mobilization in recent days into the group.
