The President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, delivered a keynote address identifying the housing crisis as the main threat to public well-being. Speaking at a breakfast briefing in Palma, he emphasized that the era of passively observing the real estate market must come to an end. In his view, the time has come for bold and decisive action, as the very fabric of society is at stake.
The politician is convinced that the current situation demands a fundamental shift in approach. He drew a vivid parallel to illustrate the severity of the problem: losing a job today causes concern, but not despair, as the labor market still offers opportunities. However, the prospect of losing your home throws a person into panic. The uncertainty of finding new housing—its cost, conditions, and location—becomes a source of immense stress that undermines the very foundations of a stable life. According to Illa, this existential fear is what destroys social cohesion.
The Catalan leader stated that his government is already implementing the most ambitious measures in the country to tackle the housing crisis. The authorities’ strategy is based on two key approaches. The first is to stimulate an increase in market supply, which is considered a classic method. The second, far more radical and contentious, involves direct intervention in market mechanisms. Ilya made it clear that he supports using all the tools provided by the federal Housing Law, including setting rent caps in so-called “high-demand” zones.
He acknowledged that such steps face strong resistance and skepticism, but insists they are necessary. “We need courage and a paradigm shift,” the politician said, making it clear that half-measures can no longer solve the problem. In doing so, Catalonia positions itself as a pioneering region, ready to take unpopular steps with property owners and investors for the sake of protecting citizens’ right to affordable housing. According to him, this is the only way to prevent a deep social divide.
