An uncertain future for the Vargas family
The situation of the families in the shanty town on Antonio Cabezón street, in Fuencarral-El Pardo, has become critical following the recent eviction order issued by the Madrid City Council. Around 34 families, comprising a total of 111 people, have been notified of the urgent need to leave their homes due to the structural deterioration of the building where they reside.
The district councillor, José Antonio Martínez Páramo, has defended that this measure is necessary to ensure the physical safety of the residents. However, confusion reigns among those affected, as many mistakenly believe that the eviction affects the entire settlement. “They do not want to evict them; it is a matter of physical integrity,” Páramo stated during a plenary session where this delicate issue was discussed.
Outside the municipal building, members of the Vargas family anxiously awaited answers and solutions. With shouts of “No to eviction, we want rehousing,” they expressed their rejection of being displaced without an adequate housing alternative. Councillor Meritxell Tizón also intervened in the Plenary with a proposal aimed at ensuring dignified and permanent rehousing for these families.
Tizón proposed three key points: to formalise an agreement with the Community of Madrid to guarantee decent housing, to implement a comprehensive social intervention plan, and to ensure that no eviction takes place without adequate housing alternatives.
Despite the official announcement, many residents feel they are being treated unfairly. Yedra, a current resident of the affected premises, commented: “If the building doesn’t kill us, they will kill us by leaving us on the street.” This statement reflects the palpable fear among those who have made their home in precarious conditions but prefer to stay there rather than face the unknown.
The letters delivered by the Local Police set a deadline of March 10 for voluntarily leaving their homes. However, municipal social services have offered options such as shelters and shared flats, which have been rejected by those affected due to their unsuitability and lack of permanence.
A meeting is scheduled for February 17 between residents and social services to analyse each case individually and seek personalised housing solutions. In the meantime, Councillor Martínez Páramo has emphasised that only those registered at number 61 must vacate the premises; however, this has only increased uncertainty among those living nearby.
The municipal intervention includes urgent measures to ensure the structural stability of the affected building and to avoid additional risks. Nevertheless, many question whether these actions are sufficient or if they are merely postponing a larger problem: what will happen to the displaced families?
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