Javier Cercas warns Spain's housing crisis reveals deeper political contradictions

In a recent interview, Javier Cercas highlighted Spain’s housing emergency as a visible sign of deeper, historic issues that cannot be solved by short-term decrees. Despite strong economic growth, many Spaniards feel excluded from its benefits, and the scarcity of social housing has led to thousands of evictions, exemplified by the Maricarmen case. Cercas criticises the Sánchez government for depending on right-wing allies such as Junts, which he says undermines genuine progressive policies.

He also reflects on the broader European democratic malaise, pointing to protests in France and the influence of parties like Le Pen’s and Mélenchon’s, as well as Germany’s AfD. Ultimately, he calls for clear ideas and party commitment rather than charismatic leaders to address the housing dilemma.