The court-ordered eviction was scheduled for around 10:00 a.m. and, finally, at around 10:30 a.m., the National Police announced that it would not go ahead. After learning of the decision, Esmeralda emerged onto the street visibly moved to thank those who had supported her. “It was a very emotional moment; it was a victory,” said the Zaragoza Tenants’ Union, which believes the mobilization was decisive in allowing both of them to remain, for the time being, in the home.
Esmeralda, 51, lives with her daughter and currently has an income of around €600 a month. “Everyone knows that with €600 a month, it is impossible to pay rent and keep two people alive,” they said. She had previously received some income from work, which she supplemented with the Minimum Living Income, but the deterioration of her financial situation eventually made it impossible to cover both the rent and other basic expenses.
With a lack of resources, she was forced to prioritize necessities such as food, household bills and her daughter’s school supplies. She also had no housing alternative in the event that the eviction went ahead.
UNCERTAINTY CONTINUES
Despite Tuesday’s suspension, Esmeralda’s situation has not yet been definitively resolved. The Tenants’ Union warns that, if the suspension is not accompanied by a new contract or a stable housing alternative, another eviction attempt could take place later.
“We will have to see how this develops and whether they try to resume the eviction or not,” they said. The current goal is to reach an agreement that would regularize Esmeralda’s situation and find a rental arrangement she can afford on her current income.
Following this case, the Tenants’ Union has once again put forward its main housing demands. Among other measures, the group is calling for lower rents, more stable contracts and an end to evictions.
