CUP calls for full housing intervention
On Wednesday afternoon, CUP MP Laure Vega used her speech in the General Policy Debate (DPG) at the Parlament de Catalunya to demand that President Salvador Illa take direct action in the housing market. She called for an absolute prohibition on property purchases made for speculation. "Credits and aid to pay prices set by those who hoard homes are not market intervention," Vega stated, arguing that true policy should enable basic needs through structural change.
Proposals for public housing and accountability
Vega urged political groups, particularly Junts, to support a CUP proposal during the DPG calling for the Catalan Parliament to reclaim full housing competences from the Spanish state. She challenged pro-independence parties: "If you speak of Catalonia’s sovereignty, vote for this proposal." She also criticised the principle of 'whoever can afford it pays' as a falsehood when applied to investment funds, which she says routinely bypass rental price caps by listing properties as short-term lets or room rentals.
"Crédits i ajudes per pagar preus que fixen els que acaparen pisos no és intervenir el mercat," ha advertit.
The MP highlighted that the so-called 'Maricarmen Decree', named after an elderly woman facing eviction, was fragmented and only introduced following public mobilisations, not government initiative.
Housing rights and regulatory enforcement
Under the Decret /2023 del Plan territorial sectorial de vivienda, municipalities in high-demand areas must achieve a 15% social housing stock within 20 years. Vega argued that without banning speculative acquisition and enforcing penalties on violations, these targets cannot be met. She proposed expanding the public housing stock by acquiring vacant properties and strengthening oversight mechanisms, such as mandatory inspections in residential buildings to identify unused units.
Broader policy concerns
Beyond housing, Vega warned that Catalonia’s healthcare system stands at a crossroads: either remain publicly managed or be handed over to multinational corporations. On education, she condemned the continued funding of private-subsidised schools at the expense of the public network and called for increased resources for public school teachers.
Primary sources: governobert.gencat.cat, govern.cat. Reported by Europa Press, ultimahora.es, elnacional.cat, democrata.es, europapress.es, Parlament de Catalunya, actualidad.es, Madridiario, salt.cup.cat, parlament.cat, 65ymas.com, Europa Press Barcelona.
