Ertzaintza clears protest camp as eviction of eight-person family looms in Vitoria
A family of eight, including six minors, faced an imminent eviction in Sansomendi, Vitoria, prompting a protest that was dispersed by the Ertzaintza.
In the Sansomendi neighbourhood of Vitoria, an eight-person family with six under-age children was slated for eviction on Friday, despite being up to date on rent and entangled in prolonged court battles. Protesters, including dozens of local high-school students, erected a tent camp on Thursday night to prevent the forced exit. By 10:00 a.m. on Friday, the Ertzaintza arrived and swiftly dispersed the crowd, who chanted anti-police slogans and threw containers at the mobile brigade.
One of the children addressed the media, recounting failed attempts to find alternative housing and describing offers limited to tourist apartments. The Sindicato Socialista de Vivienda, represented by Ane Mendiguren, accused the PSE-EE and PNV-led municipal government of total neglect. Around a hundred people remained camped, holding concerts and a chocolate gathering around the tents.
Why it matters
The standoff highlights housing insecurity and the tension between vulnerable families and authorities in Spain.
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