Hundreds of people took part in the largest demonstration in the history of the Principality of Andorra on Tuesday evening to protest against the rise in property prices, an AFP correspondent noted. The demonstrators read out a manifesto demanding “adequate housing.” “Housing is a fundamental right recognized in our constitution and we cannot accept speculation about a basic need,” they argue.
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Property prices in Andorra, a Pyrenean state of 80,000 people, have risen more than 30% since 2018, forcing some citizens to seek accommodation in neighboring Spain. “There will be a before and after of this mobilization and the political leaders know that,” said one of the movement’s promoters, who is calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Xavier Espot, who was re-elected in April to lead a centrist coalition. -right.
Access to housing was a central theme of the spring election campaign, and the head of government committed to building housing for low-income people. In recent years, Andorra has attracted wealthy people with an attractive tax policy, which has led to an increase in property prices.