I am ashamed to see what is going on in my country
Spanish national and MEP Marta Andreasen told Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero in the European Parliament today that she was ashamed to see what is going on in Spain in relation to urban abuses.
She told Mr Zapatero, who was outlining the Programme of the Spanish Presidency of the EU Parliament in Strasbourg, that she represented constituents in the South East of England, some of whom are suffering from urban abuses and are unable to occupy their properties. She said that if a solution was not found during Mr Zapatero's Presidency she will personally do all she can to make sure EU threats to block subsidies to Spain are carried through.
Ms. Andreasen made specific mention of the case of Mr and Mrs Prior two years ago in Vera and told Mr. Zapatero “We want a solution now. We want the people to be able to live in the houses they bought. If this is not possible they need to be granted a fair compensation.”
Interventions from MEPs on the problems of urban abuse in Spain have come about partly as a result of a concerted campaign by the federation of urban abuse organisations, including AUN and AUAN in Spain. Despite three reports approved by the European Parliament urging the Spanish authorities to take action, nothing has been done so far to protect those suffering the consequences.
Other MEPs Glenis Willmott (Labour) and Diana Wallis (Liberal Democrat and Vice-President of the European Parliament) also appealed for a solution to urban abuses and land grab scandals on behalf of British victims. Michael Cashman, MEP, has already written a personal appeal to the Spanish Prime Minister stating that “It is the Spanish government alone that can bring an end to these abuses”.
Links to MEPs speaking at the Plenary Sessions
Andreasen presses Zapatero on demolitions
Article First Published: Wednesday, 20th January 2010, 18:28 CET
Last Updated: Thursday, 21st January 2010, 17:00 CET
Author: AUAN
