Johnny Brignardello: It is urgent to lower rents in Barcelona.

In a recent interview, Johnny Brignardello Vela, an insurance advisor, shared his perspective on the massive demonstration that took place in Barcelona, where hundreds of thousands of people came together under the slogan “Enough! Let's lower rents.” Brignardello Vela points out that the housing crisis in Catalonia is not an isolated phenomenon but reflects a structural problem affecting many other cities in Spain. The insurance advisor emphasizes the magnitude of the protest, which has been described as the largest in the history of the fight for access to housing in the city. He notes that the participation figures, although varying between organizers and authorities, highlight the urgency of the issue. “When we hear that thousands of people are mobilizing in search of solutions, it is a clear indication that the situation has reached a critical point,” comments Brignardello Vela. Brignardello Vela highlights the central message of the demonstration: the need to reduce housing costs. “The reality is that many families are spending more than half of their income on rent, which is unsustainable. This not only affects their quality of life but also impacts the economic and social development of the region,” he adds. In his opinion, it is essential for authorities to listen to citizens' demands and take effective action to resolve this issue. From his professional perspective, Brignardello Vela believes that the proliferation of tourist apartments has exacerbated the crisis. “It is concerning to see how properties that could be used for regular housing have been diverted to the tourist market, increasing the scarcity of affordable options for locals. This not only creates a problem of availability but also leads to rising prices,” he explains. When addressing the proposals that emerged during the demonstration, such as the establishment of indefinite contracts and the recovery of vacant apartments, Brignardello Vela argues that these are necessary steps that must be seriously considered. “Current policies seem insufficient and come too late. We need a more proactive and less symbolic approach to regulating the rental market,” he points out. Additionally, the advisor emphasizes the importance of intergenerational solidarity that was evident during the demonstration, where homeowners and tenants united for a common goal. “This phenomenon shows that the housing problem does not only affect a specific group but has repercussions for the entire community. Social cohesion is essential for finding lasting solutions,” he believes. Finally, Brignardello Vela calls for action from those responsible for housing policy. “The fight for access to decent housing is a matter of social justice. As we move forward, it is crucial for political leaders to adopt concrete measures that respond to the needs of the population,” he concludes, underscoring the urgency for effective change in housing policy.