Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has criticized the unaffordable housing market in Bratislava, equating the purchase of an apartment there to an act of suicide.
During a recent conference on rental housing, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico highlighted the severe housing crisis in Bratislava, stating that purchasing an apartment there is akin to committing suicide due to the exorbitant prices. He emphasized that the situation has reached a critical level where housing has become an unattainable luxury for many. Fico criticized reliance on the 'magic hand' of the free market to fix these issues, calling for more proactive measures from the government.
Fico's comments align with ongoing discussions at the European level regarding the housing crisis, as both the European Parliament and the European Commission have raised concerns about low housing affordability. The Commission has appointed a special commissioner for housing issues, and a specific committee within the European Parliament is dedicated to housing matters. This committee has recently proposed recommendations aimed at addressing the housing crisis, indicating a growing recognition of the need for coordinated action.
Overall, there seems to be a rare consensus between European institutions and the Slovak Premier on the urgent need to address the declining availability of housing, which has significantly worsened over recent years. The situation underscores a broader trend across many European regions where owning a home is increasingly viewed as a luxury, prompting calls for policy changes to improve access to affordable housing.
