A new scandal has erupted in Madrid, touching on several hot-button issues—from housing affordability to the state of the healthcare system. During the presentation of a prestigious cultural award, writer David Uclés did not shy away from difficult topics and addressed Autonomous Community President Isabel Díaz Ayuso directly, as she sat in the audience. His remarks about the impossibility of buying decent housing even with a successful career, and about problems accessing medical care, instantly became the focus of heated debate in society and the media.
Accepting his award at a ceremony organized by one of Spain’s leading publications, Uclés went beyond words of gratitude. He stressed that he witnesses daily how residents face long waiting lists for surgery, and, in his view, sometimes this is done deliberately so private companies can profit at the expense of citizens’ health. He gave special attention to the housing issue, stating that even after selling hundreds of thousands of books, he still cannot afford to buy an apartment in the capital—unless it’s a cramped windowless space.
Reaction and aftermath
The writer’s emotional speech drew a mixed response. On social media and television, debate broke out: some praised his courage, while others accused him of trying to use his personal situation for self-promotion. Uclés later clarified that his words were not just a personal grievance, but also reflected the struggles of an entire generation facing the impossibility of owning a home.
During a popular TV program, he shared that he couldn’t miss the chance to speak out when the regional leader was literally a meter away from him. He said he took the opportunity to highlight the difficulties faced not only by young people but also by those in middle age: the inability to save up for an apartment, rising rental prices, and pressure from investment funds. After his speech, the writer faced a wave of criticism and even hate online, but believes that staying silent would have been an even bigger mistake.
Public discussion
Other well-known figures joined the debate. One popular TV host noted that he himself had often faced accusations of hypocrisy for raising the issue of housing rights, despite owning property. He emphasized that having an apartment doesn’t take away your right to speak about issues that affect millions of Spaniards.
Ucles added that, having the opportunity to be heard, he sees it as his duty to address pressing issues. In his opinion, the real problem begins when people stop talking about difficulties just because they no longer affect them personally. His position resonated with many who also struggle with challenges in the housing market and healthcare system.
Generational discontent
The writer emphasized that his speech is not just a personal story, but a collective complaint from an entire generation. He shared that in recent years he has changed dozens of apartments, lives in rented housing, and cannot afford stability despite his professional success. According to him, the problem goes far beyond personal circumstances and affects almost everyone trying to build a life in Spain’s major cities.
Debate continues in society over who is to blame for the current situation: the state, private investors, or global economic processes. However, Ukles’ speech once again highlighted that housing and healthcare remain among the most pressing issues for Spaniards, especially as prices rise and the number of available social programs declines.
Context and similar cases
In recent years, Spain has often become a stage for high-profile public statements related to social policy. We recall how prominent figures in culture and science have raised questions about access to education, healthcare, and housing at major events and during live broadcasts. Such speeches frequently act as a catalyst for public discussion and spark new waves of debate in the media and on social networks. These issues are particularly pressing against the backdrop of economic challenges and growing dissatisfaction among young people and the middle class.
Recent events show that public appeals to politicians at ceremonies and forums are becoming an increasingly common way to draw attention to systemic problems. Such cases typically provoke significant public response and compel authorities to react, at least with official statements. As social issues take center stage, these episodes become particularly important in shaping public opinion.
By the way, we have previously reported on another high-profile case when a well-known writer refused to take part in a discussion with the former prime minister and a Vox party representative. That decision sparked intense debate about the boundaries of dialogue and whether it’s acceptable to refuse to engage with political opponents. Read more about how this influenced the country’s intellectual climate in our article The controversy over the writer’s refusal to join the discussion with Aznar and the Vox politician.
