The Puerta del Sol encampment resists the rain: "Either you are on the side of the tenants, or on the side of the vulture funds"

MadridThe spokesperson for the Tenants' Union, Alicia del Río, finishes a media briefing at the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, where this Monday hundreds of people remain camped out resisting the arrival of autumn weather, and immediately an elderly woman approaches her, who for years has been battling a housing problem with the Social Housing Agency—Ivima—of the Community of Madrid. The elderly woman explains her case to her, knowing that surely neither Alicia nor the Union can provide an immediate solution, but she feels heard. Behind her, another man, a resident of the Madrid neighborhood of Barajas, waits to do the same. And the feeling, looking from side to side, is that the line of cases could stretch sine die.

Although the circumstances are different, the headache is shared: housing, whether rented or owned. It is an example of how a right recognized in the Constitution—a decent and adequate home—has become a mirage for many people. A privilege. Something that can vanish overnight, as happened to Maricarmen, the 87-year-old neighbor from Madrid evicted last week.

The case triggered a wave of indignation across the country that led to demonstrations, as well as the encampment installed in this central Madrid square, which this Monday already includes hundreds of people. In fact, a program of events has been established around the encampment: from a popular lunch to debates and talks on trade union organization or the historical housing problem, also including concerts and brass bands. In the last few hours, other social movements beyond those of the right to housing have joined. Next to the orange color that identifies the Tenants' Union and the green of the PAH, the yellow of early childhood educators and the green of public education also stand out.

The memory of 15-M

"Of course it reminds us of the 15-M movement. Back then the problem was mortgages and now it's more about rent, but, at the end of the day, it's the same. Living with your heart in your mouth because you don't know if tomorrow you'll still be able to pay or if you'll be on the street," say Manuel and Consuelo, two pensioners who have come to the Puerta del Sol to support those gathered. They explain that on October 7th they have a trial with CaixaBank because three years ago, with the rise in interest rates, their mortgage loan—it was a variable rate—skyrocketed and they have not been able to meet the debt payment.

The intention of the protesters is to resist until the Spanish government approves a decree that includes the four demands of the Union. The so-called Maricarmen decree. The main demand is the protection of contracts: "The decree cannot fail to include indefinite contracts and the automatic renewal of rent," stated the spokesperson for the Tenants' Union. Regarding tax relief for landlords, the union criticizes them. "The PSOE needs to be brave [...] Either you are on the side of the tenants, or on the side of the vulture funds," the union spokesperson declared.

The rain this Monday at noon forced the placement of large blue tarps to protect the tents, the banners with proclamations, the tables and chairs, some kitchen utensils, or even computers of those whose remote work has allowed them to come here. "We are not afraid. There are many of us and if they threaten to evict us, many more will come," say two students who camped at the Puerta del Sol this Sunday. "This is the closest I am to being able to live in my city," can be read on the white tent that protects their camping tents. The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez Almeida, has warned that if the Spanish government's Delegation does not act against the encampments, he will: "We will not stand idly by."

However, the Tenants' Union knows that this Tuesday is a first battle. "Afterwards we will see what we do in Congress. But now it is important that the royal decree reaches the Council of Ministers. All the pressure is on Tuesday," said Del Rio.