PODCAST: Housing crisis – soaring rents and eviction epidemic

Stories from three women in Barcelona affected by the crisis and a look at the legal battle over Catalonia's rent cap law

Demonstrators from the movement for housing march down Barcelona's Via Laietana, March 20, 2021 (by Pau Cortina)
Demonstrators from the movement for housing march down Barcelona's Via Laietana, March 20, 2021 (by Pau Cortina) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

June 26, 2021 09:55 AM

September 19, 2022 07:41 PM

 

Soaring rents in Catalonia – especially in the capital Barcelona – have pushed housing to the top of the social and political agenda. Evictions, sometimes with a heavy police presence, are commonplace, despite a moratorium for vulnerable people during the pandemic. Press play below to listen or subscribe on Apple PodcastsGoogle Podcasts or Spotify

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At the top level, the Spanish government is taking Catalonia's rent cap law to court for overstepping regional powers, while on the ground, a powerful network of grassroots organizations supports those who face being forced from their homes. 

Cristina Tomàs White brings us the stories of three women in Barcelona affected by the housing crisis. Scarlett Reiners provides a picture of how the situation compares to other parts of Europe. 

This week's Catalan phrase is "llençar la casa per la finestra," literally "to throw your house out the window," it means to spend a lot of money on something.  

Presented by Lorcan Doherty. 

Listen to more episodes of Filling the Sink below.