Rental and community: an interdependent relationship
The anxiety generated by renting is not just a personal issue, but a reflection of the social dynamics that surround us. The lack of connection with our environment can lead to exploitation by a few. If citizens do not link themselves in a stable way with their community, their capacities to defend their rights and interests are weakened.
History and urban planning: a power game
Urban planning has always been a reflection of the political interests of each era. From street widening in Paris to prevent riots, to housing subsidy policies in the American suburbs, cities have been designed to control and stabilize the masses. Currently, places like Barcelona have been shaped by global interests that seek to reduce the political potential of their inhabitants, turning urban space into an exploitable resource.
The past as inspiration: a critical look
In the current context, it is important to reflect on the lessons of the past. During the Franco dictatorship, for example, regulations were established that kept rents low, not due to any market force, but as a result of conscious policy. As economist Miquel Puig explains, these decisions sought to stabilize society. Today, the debate over the Tenants’ Union reminds us that looking back can be more progressive than continuing to accept current dogmas.
The current struggle: redefining normality
The rent debate is not just an economic issue, but a reflection of the relationship between democracy and physical space. As cities collectively generate wealth, it is vital that their inhabitants have the capacity to police that wealth and demand a fair distribution. Active citizen participation is essential to counter the oligarchy that exploits social division.
The future of the rental movement: a collective challenge
The key question is whether we can transform the perception of rent into a tool of political pressure that benefits all middle classes. If we succeed in redefining what we consider legitimate and normal in our society, we will be able to establish a new paradigm in which the right to rent is valued as much as ownership. Our current struggles could be the beginning of a new era in which social justice and decent housing become realities for all.
