More than two weeks after the start of the housing rights protest camp in Puerta del Sol, fatigue is beginning to show among demonstrators. Sleepless nights, a lack of toilets and the difficulties of living outdoors are taking an increasing toll. Yet, the solidarity and determination of those who remain are keeping the protest alive.
In the heart of Madrid, surrounded by tourists asking what is happening and passers-by stopping to take photographs, the protesters have built a small community. The tarpaulins surrounding part of the camp provide protection and privacy, while the tents have become their refuge over the past few weeks.
Inside, protesters organise themselves to distribute food, help those in need and keep communal areas clean. There is a medical assistance area, volunteers offering legal advice and even a library. But above all, there is a strong sense of mutual support.
During Euronews' visit, one of the protesters, who prefers to remain anonymous, breaks down in tears as he explains what the camp means to him. Another protester immediately approaches to hug him, while a third asks how he is feeling. For many, this place has become more than just a protest site: it is a family.
'We are more tired, but also more organised'
Nacho has been taking part in the protest as a demonstrator and volunteer for almost three weeks. He spends much of his time preparing meals and organising donated supplies. "We are at our most tired, but also more organised and more hopeful," he tells Euronews from the central tent.
Exhaustion has forced him to return home to sleep on some nights. Even so, he highlights the organisation of the camp and the solidarity of citizens who donate food, water and hygiene products. "We don't accept money. So everything we have comes from what people bring us," he says.
Another protester, who also prefers to remain anonymous, highlights the support of volunteer doctors and lawyers. For him, the experience shows the importance of putting differences aside and helping one another.
The challenges of communal living and the threat of eviction
Living together at the camp also presents challenges. Protesters do not have their own toilets, and some report problems with waste collection and thefts at night. Nacho acknowledges the difficulties but says they have a cleaning committee to keep the camp tidy.
Pedro, another participant, rejects criticism over poor hygiene and defends the work of volunteers, including students and professionals from various sectors. He also responds to allegations made by the president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, about the presence of terrorists at the camp. Pedro denies the claims and explains that the presence of Palestinian symbols at the camp reflects solidarity with the people of Gaza, not support for terrorism.
The Madrid regional government continues to push for the camp's eviction. Its spokesperson, Miguel Ángel García Martín, said this week that they would exhaust "all legal avenues" to remove the camp, without ruling out an appeal to the Supreme Court, after the High Court of Justice of Madrid rejected the eviction request on 5 October.
The protest could also affect the Transhumance Festival. Madrid City Council is considering changing its route and moving part of the celebrations to Plaza Mayor to avoid the occupied area.
A protest for the right to housing
The protesters' main demand is decent housing at affordable prices. Pedro says that having a job no longer guarantees being able to rent a flat in Madrid. High housing prices, deposits and financial requirements imposed by some estate agencies, he explains, make it difficult to find housing, even for those with a stable income.
He also criticises the conversion of flats into rooms for individual rental, a practice that he believes drives prices even higher. Protesters see the camp as a way to pressure authorities into taking concrete action. One of them says they will remain until an agreement is reached or progress is made, always through peaceful means.
How long will protesters remain in Sol?
For now, protesters have not set a date to leave the square. Nacho explains that the future of the protest will be decided at an assembly, depending on the goals they agree on. "Depending on the political objectives we set ourselves, that will determine how long we stay or whether we stay at all," he says.
As tourists continue to walk through Puerta del Sol, volunteers keep distributing food, organising donations and maintaining the camp. After more than two weeks of protests, exhaustion is evident, but so is the determination to continue. The protesters insist that all they want is to be heard and to find solutions to the housing crisis.