Manuela Carmena discusses housing, evictions and democratic quality in Benidorm

Second meeting of the cycle

The assembly room of Benidorm Town Hall hosted on Saturday the second event in the Foro Abierto cycle, with former Madrid mayor Manuela Carmena as the main speaker in a discussion centred on the state of democracy, access to housing and the involvement of citizens in public matters.

Housing and evictions

Carmena highlighted the need to ensure the right to housing without neglecting small property owners. In this regard, she pointed to the existence of mechanisms that protect the most vulnerable groups and, at the same time, compensate property owners affected by the suspension of certain evictions. She also recalled that Congress, at the end of 2025, rejected extending this suspension.

Participation and criticism of political noise

The former local official called for clearer and more accessible rules for citizens, along with greater involvement of the public in public life. She also stressed some worrying uses of artificial intelligence and social media, and advocated for the role of independent journalism. On the current political climate, she called for prioritising consensus and solutions that have a tangible impact on people's lives.

Public questions

Journalist Raquel López led the discussion, which in addition to housing and evictions covered democratic quality, judicial independence and freedom of the press. The public question session was especially focused on judicial independence and the separation of powers.

Good reception of the event

Foro Abierto president Juan Balastegui praised the large number of people attending and the interest generated by the event, which filled the capacity of the town hall assembly room.