Recent Eviction Leads to Protests in Vitoria, Spain
In the wake of a recent eviction that took place last Friday in Vitoria, significant unrest erupted, leading to a protest camp being established in front of the property scheduled for eviction. Reports indicate a discrepancy in the number of arrests made during these disturbances; while the Ertzaintza police stated that two individuals were detained, the Socialist Housing Union claimed that the number had risen to four.
As detailed in earlier reports, including from Libertad Digital, local media highlighted the socio-economic vulnerability of the property owner in this eviction case. Over the past five years, this individual has had to accommodate their family in three different rental properties, illustrating an alarming trend of instability.
The eviction pertained to a property located at 28 Los Huetos Avenue in the capital of Alava, which had been occupied unlawfully. The rental agreement between the owner and the occupying family began in 2018, with a monthly rent set at 600 euros for a three-year contract. However, in 2019, when the owner informed the tenants that he would not be renewing the lease in order to reclaim the property for personal use, the tenants refused to vacate the premises. Consequently, the owner has been embroiled in legal proceedings since 2021 to regain possession of his home.
Compounding the issue, it has come to light that the occupying family, who are originally from Morocco, were receiving over 2,000 euros in monthly assistance. Specifically, as reported by El Correo, the evicted family—who had six minors in their care—was receiving a total of 2,454.18 euros each month in various public benefits, in addition to emergency aid and support from the Food Bank.
Interestingly, the family declined a temporary housing alternative offered by social services. This refusal has led the Vitoria City Council to dismiss any extraordinary allocation of housing, although they have left the door open for emergency accommodation should an extreme need arise.
A municipal report accessed by El Correo indicates that city officials do not consider this situation to be an unexpected emergency, as the family had been aware since October 2019 that the landlord would not renew their rental agreement due to personal reasons. Furthermore, the report noted that the family had traveled to Morocco during the summer of 2026 for a period of 38 days, resulting in a penalty of 354.74 euros applied to their benefits due to the trip. This absence had also disrupted their active search for employment and housing, according to municipal technicians.
As reported by libertaddigital.com.
