Spin Time building eviction sparks protests in Rome

Protests and a permanent sit-in have been established in front of the Spin Time building in Rome following the eviction of hundreds of families who had occupied the property since 2013. The eviction occurred after a small fire was detected in the building.

The Rome municipality is currently negotiating with the property owners regarding a potential purchase of the building, which is estimated to be worth approximately 40 million euros. The Italian Revenue Agency must conduct a valuation, with officials aiming to conclude negotiations within five months. The state has already been ordered to pay the owner over 21 million euros, plus monthly compensation of 207,000 euros until the building is vacated.

During the demonstrations, which have continued since July 29, the artist Cosmo joined activists to denounce what he described as real estate speculation supported by the government. Critics of the situation argue that the incident highlights the power of large real estate funds over urban development and the lack of public regulation to balance asset development with social housing emergencies in major cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples.