In Spain, Activists Fight Evictions

On March 26, Spanish parliamentary groups presented their proposals for amendments to the legislation on evictions and a reform of the country's mortgage law. The Platform of People Affected by Mortgages, better known as PAH in Spain, has gained popularity in recent months because of its rejection of evictions in Spain, an increasingly sensitive issue in the country. Recently this group has assumed a growing anti-establishment tone, something that is also seen in other European countries. The growth of this group forces the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to balance the need to protect Spanish banks with the necessity of addressing growing popular demands. Mortgage law reform is likely, but will probably not be enough to reduce social unrest in Spain.