The Socialists in Spain are pressing for the 'anti-squatter office' formed by the People's Party (PP) and Vox to take action against those deemed 'scroungers' living in protected housing in Alicante. This demand arises amidst a mounting scandal where 140 units of protected housing have reportedly been allocated to people connected with the PP, including former officials and their associates. This situation has already resulted in significant political fallout, leading to resignations of key figures including Rocío Gómez, the Urban Planning Councilor, and Maria Pérez-Hickman, the municipal director general.

The issue gained additional traction during the first control session in Les Corts de Valencia, which saw Juanfran Pérez Llorca, the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, facing scrutiny over these dubious allocations. The opposition has criticized the current administration for enabling a system that allows nepotism and favoritism in housing assignments. The impact of this controversy also extends to the reputation of the PP, which previously vowed to address housing shortages but now faces allegations of mismanagement and corruption in their deployment of protected housing.

The embarrassment for the PP is compounded by the defection of Carlos Mazón, the former President who has not taken his seat in the regional assembly despite having retained it after his resignation in early November. With Vox initially amplifying their criticisms, recent sessions have shown a reduction in their vocal resistance in the parliament, perhaps to maintain coalition stability or in light of the ongoing political ramifications. The unfolding scandal underscores significant concerns regarding housing policies in Spain and the integrity of local governance, as the call for accountability intensifies, reflecting broader issues surrounding housing injustice across the nation.