Valencia housing protest impacts Christmas preparations

A housing rights protest in Valencia’s Plaza del Ayuntamiento has reached its one-month mark, creating tension between activists and local businesses. Protesters have established an indefinite encampment to demand a dialogue table with the Spanish government, the Valencian Council, and the Valencia City Council.

Local merchants are calling for the square to return to normalcy to allow for the installation of Christmas decorations and an ice rink. Business leaders emphasize that the holiday season is vital for the sector, which employs approximately 200,000 people. While the city council has begun installing some holiday lighting and plans to move the official light-switching ceremony to November, the presence of the tents remains a significant uncertainty for the upcoming commercial season.

Valencia Mayor María José Catalá has requested a meeting with the Spanish Government Delegation in the Valencian Community to resolve the situation. The government delegate, Roger Llanes, stated that officials are studying how to address the request.