Video: @salvadorilla / X
President demands 'strong response' on housing
Catalan President Salvador Illa has called for a 'strong, realistic response' to the housing crisis, stating that the death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal 'has left no one indifferent'. Abascal, who was evicted from her Madrid home on 23 September 2026, became a national symbol of the struggle for housing rights after widespread protests and media attention led her landlord, Urbagestión, to allow her return. Illa made the remarks during a business event co-organised by BBVA and the Generalitat at Pedralbes Palace in Barcelona on Thursday, 8 October. He expressed condolences to Abascal's family, calling her death a moment that 'deeply affected everyone' and reaffirming that 'human values must always be present' in politics.
At that time it was clear that the productive fabric had to be supported, no one discussed it. [.] In similar terms we must do it now to guarantee housing opportunities, so that the economy functions and so that prosperity is shared.
Housing crisis compared to post-COVID economic support
Illa drew a direct comparison between the state support provided to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current need for structural housing intervention. He stressed that just as economic stability required protecting productive sectors in 2020, today's prosperity depends on ensuring housing access for all. While affirming the Catalan government's commitment to 'realistic and serious policies, not magical ones', Illa cautioned that the housing emergency cannot be resolved 'next week'. He called for sustained, institutional action to ensure economic gains reach all citizens.
Strengthening ties with Mexico, advancing infrastructure
The event focused on building economic bridges between Catalonia and Mexico, with BBVA chairman Carlos Torres noting that Catalan exports to Mexico have risen by 80% over the past decade, reaching around €2 billion. More than 1,500 Catalan companies now export to Mexico, and 380 are established there. Illa also highlighted Catalonia’s leadership in renewable energy, water management, and administrative reform. He reiterated plans to expand El Prat airport sustainably and recover delayed investments in the Rodalies commuter rail network, particularly in light of recent weather-related disruptions.
Reported by en.ara.cat, elperiodico.com, atlas-news.com, totbarcelona.cat, iSabadell.cat, Catalan News, Europa Press.
