Antonio Maíllo, the federal coordinator of IU, and Unai Sordo, the secretary general of CCOO, recently expressed their shared stance on the urgent need to repeal the Citizens’ Security Law, often referred to as the “Gag Law” by its critics. They emphasized the importance of advancing public housing policies during a press conference held in Madrid after their meeting.
Maíllo described the Gag Law as a “nightmare,” highlighting the detrimental impact of certain opinion crimes outlined in the Penal Code, which infringe on rights such as the right to strike and freedom of expression. As such, repealing this law is a key goal for their efforts toward democratic renewal in the current legislative session.
Sordo acknowledged that some elements of the package of measures proposed last week by President Pedro Sánchez exhibit common sense, but he insisted that more ambitious actions are necessary. He called for not only the repeal of the Gag Law but also amendments to the Penal Code, which currently penalize union mobilizations and the activities of informational pickets during strikes.
According to Sordo, there exists a “dangerous and expansive interpretation” of the Penal Code that needs rectification. He also advocated for reforms that would enhance access to the judicial career.
Sordo stressed that public housing policy in Spain is crucial and must be significantly more ambitious. “We need to be bolder and fully realize the potential of housing policy and the Housing Law,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Maíllo warned that labor incomes are being “undermined by housing costs,” whether through rent or mortgage payments. He urged the implementation of “bold policies” to address these issues.
Additionally, Maíllo pointed out the necessity for policies promoting public housing and criticized the “boycott” by the People’s Party (PP) in regions where they govern, obstructing the measures mandated by the national Housing Law.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/espana/agencias/2024/07/22/iu-y-ccoo-coinciden-en-la-necesidad-de-derogar-la-ley-mordaza-y-mejorar-las-politicas-publicas-en-vivienda/
