Commune Representative Albiach advises Illa to involve themselves in the Casa Orsola renovation issue, focusing on the adjustment of rents.
Reworked Article:
Setting the Scene: Jessica Albiach, the ol' bat of the Commons in Parliament, has raised the stakes, knocking on Salvador Illa's door - the President of the Generalitat. The request? To throw a wrench in the eviction of Casa Orsola and coerce the property owner into negotiations, ensuring the current tenants can continue to call Casa Orsola home.
"It's high time we stood up for tenants and nipped this ruthless speculation in the bud," Albiach exclaimed during a media chat-up at the Fira de la Candelera in Molins de Rei (Barcelona).
Albiach gave a shout-out to the housing movement that pulverized the eviction of Casa Orsola on a Friday, assuring that they'll get another crack at it on Tuesday – the new court date post the initial rejection.
GOING EASY ON THE REAL ESTATE SHARKS?
In a parallel universe, Albiach lauded the agreement struck between the Government and the Commons for implementing a sanctioning regime. The plan? To fine owners who disobey the Housing Law, ensuring the market doesn't get overrun with tourist rentals dodging price caps.
Albiach extended words of reassurance to compliant apartment owners, stating that law-abiding citizens have nothing to worry about, describing the absence of fines enforcing the Housing Law as a bizarre oversight.
"Landlords toeing the line with the Housing Law should be chilled out because this sanctioning regime is aimed at hunting down, penalizing, and, most importantly, deterring real estate pirates," she added.
Regarding the CC.OO. and UGT-called demonstrations on Sunday, defending the so-called social shield, Albiach viewed the 37.5-hour workweek as the "next big thing" workers ought to aim for.
A Quick Note: As of early 2025, the eviction drama at Casa Orsola in Barcelona had taken an unexpected turn. After years of tenacious struggle, residents of Casa Orsola, backed by tenants' unions, successfully blocked the eviction attempts instigated by the previous property owner, Lioness Inversiones. In February 2025, the city government seized the building, resulting in current tenants dodging the eviction bullet[2][3]. This triumph serves as a beacon of hope for tenants' rights and a testament to community action against predatory real estate practices in Barcelona[2][4].
The win at Casa Orsola aligns with broader initiatives in Barcelona and Spain to address the housing crisis, including protests and calls for rent control and affordable housing[1][3]. The case underscores the significance of collective action and government intervention in shielding tenant rights and ensuring housing stability for residents under the sword of Damocles[5]. Despite this victory, the broader housing crisis in Barcelona persists, with fears over spiraling rents and the influence of short-term rentals[4].
- Jessica Albiach, urging action, knocked on Salvador Illa's door to halt the eviction of Casa Orsola, asking the property owner to negotiate with the current tenants.
- During a media chat, Albiach narrated her support for tenants and called for an end to the ruthless speculation in the housing market.
- Albiach commended the agreement between the Government and the Commons for implementing a sanctioning regime, aiming to fine owners who disobey the Housing Law and prevent the proliferation of tourist rentals evading price caps.
- Albiach also emphasized the importance of the 37.5-hour workweek as a future goal for workers, viewing it as part of broader initiatives addressing the housing crisis in Barcelona and Spain.
