The Assembly for Housing in Lanzarote is gaining momentum as its peaceful protest in Parque José Ramírez Cerdá attracts more attention. The initiative is aimed at tackling the island’s serious housing crisis, with participants keen to address the issue through collective action.
The Assembly asserts its right to peaceful assembly, citing Article 21 of the Spanish Constitution, which allows gatherings without prior permission, even in public spaces. They reference a constitutional ruling from October 27, 2003, which upheld the right to set up temporary structures during protests, suggesting that any prohibition based solely on general inconvenience would be excessive.
Responding to recent criticism, the Assembly has taken steps to clean up the area, collecting litter and tidying spaces to demonstrate that advocating for housing and caring for shared community spaces can coexist.
Participants claim the site was neglected, but their efforts have revitalised it, attracting families and discussions about housing issues, transforming the protest into a hub for community engagement.
This movement is part of a wider wave of housing protests across Spain, yet the Assembly aims to tailor its response to Lanzarote’s unique social and territorial needs. Their approach is characterised by peaceful, inclusive, and active participation through open meetings and working groups.
The day also featured a moment of reflection, as attendees held a minute of silence and lit candles in memory of Maricarmen Abascal, who passed away after becoming a symbol in the fight for housing following her eviction in Madrid. This gesture highlighted the personal toll of the housing crisis and the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the human consequences of real estate speculation.
The Assembly’s vision is clear: to create a space for citizen thought and action, advocating for the right to housing in Lanzarote.
