The Juventud Socialista de Lanzarote y La Graciosa has condemned the Arrecife Town Hall, led by mayor Yonathan de León, over its response to protests for housing rights at Ramírez Cerdá Park. The group criticises warnings of potential fines and evictions, urging the mayor to engage in dialogue.
José Carlos Roger, the organisation’s general secretary, described the warnings as “a repressive response to a demand shared by many on the island” for access to decent housing. He noted that participants in the protests are voicing a significant social emergency that local authorities must address. Reports indicate fines could reach up to €4,500 per person.
Protesters allege that the mayor visited the protest site and took photographs from the nearby music kiosk. They claim local police indicated that a municipal cleaning service would remove their set-up, which the Juventud Socialista views as an impending eviction threat.
Roger called on the mayor to clarify these actions, insisting that the protestors deserve to be heard. He condemned the threat of hefty fines for those seeking decent housing as “intolerable political insensitivity.”
The socialists further rejected efforts to discredit the protestors, countering that they consist of families, young people, and workers expressing their concerns peacefully. “Lanzarote cannot endure this critical housing situation any longer,” Roger stated.
The youth group highlighted that difficulties in accessing housing impede young people’s lives, delaying their independence and forcing many to consider leaving the island to study.
Roger remarked, “There are people working who still can’t afford rent. Families live in fear of losing their homes. Trying to undermine those highlighting this issue shows a deep disconnect from the realities faced by citizens.”
Despite the Town Hall citing municipal regulations to discourage the protesters’ current activities, Juventud Socialista is calling for political will to support peaceful demand instead of escalating penalties.
“We demand Yonathan de León stop the threats of fines and evictions and instead listen to the people. Removing tents won’t solve the housing crisis. It’s his responsibility to provide answers to those asking for something as fundamental as a place to live,” Roger concluded.
