The Political Force Invites Action on the Many Homes Left Vacant
Well, let’s dive into it, shall we? It seems our dear government is in a bit of a post-election stupor, like someone who’s had one too many at a wedding and suddenly thinks they can dance. They’ve promised us the world, and now? Crickets. High mortgage rates are linked to a housing crisis that’s mushrooming faster than a dodgy pizza at 2 AM – and yet, the political agenda is as empty as a politician’s promises just after election day.
But don’t worry, the internet is shining a spotlight on this issue, and trust me, it’s brighter than my idea of a good night out! The First Home Mortgage Decree is up for discussion soon, and it’s about time. It’s like waiting for a bus that never arrives. Seriously, we’ve been hearing rumors about rates being as high as mortgage rates after a bad breakup!
Now, Rete has clearly stated that the state is currently yo-yoing between 65% and 85% of interest coverage. So, what are we talking about here? We need the state to roll up its sleeves and wrestle with the banks. And not just a gentle tussle – I’m talking about the kind of conversation that would make even a pub brawl look civil! A proposed fixed “solidarity spread” of 2% might just save a few hundred euros per month for the poorest among us. It’s a fantastic idea, but it’s also a bit like asking a cat to take a bath: it’s gonna take some persuasion!
The right to live? Well, it’s becoming a bit of a luxury nowadays, isn’t it? With rents shooting up like a rocket and mortgages that could make a grown man cry, we’ve got around 2,000 homes just sitting vacant! Just imagine if we encouraged people to actually use those homes rather than letting them gather dust. It’s like finding out your mate has an amazing record collection but only listens to the same Justin Bieber track on repeat. Why? Because some people would rather let these properties “rot” than let them help someone in need. Talk about a waste!
The hypocrisy here is thicker than the fog in London – the banking system needed a lifeline to survive its own blunders, but now it’s our turn to reap the benefits! We’re not asking for the moon here. Just a little generosity from the banks that were once handed a lifeline like it was a participation trophy. The government needs to pull them into line and ensure they contribute to society, not just their bottom line. This is about fairness; it’s about bringing the human touch back into business. It’s like telling a chef to stop serving slop and start making real food again – let’s aim for more than just survival rations!
Now, here’s the kicker: we must behave like a community that actually cares. Solidarity shouldn’t be just a fancy catchphrase that politicians dust off during campaign season. It should be a guiding principle! So, it’s time we hold their feet to the fire and demand that they transform all those promising words into action. In a country where everyone supposedly sings “Kumbaya” together, let’s not forget there are real people behind those ballot boxes and hollow promises!
Are we ready to turn talk into action? Can we finally address this societal emergency? If so, we might just transform all those empty houses into homes, and restore a bit of faith in our political system while we’re at it. Surely, there are enough of us who believe in solidarity to make a noticeable change. Otherwise, we’ll just keep watching our politicians stumbling around in a daze like they’ve just taken a strange pill at the wrong party!
The political force invites action on the many homes left vacant
“Once the aftereffects of pre-election promises have settled, the pressing issue of soaring mortgage rates linked to the escalating housing crisis—affecting an ever-increasing number of our citizens—has vanished from the Government’s political agenda. However, in the digital sphere, this critical topic remains glaringly evident, particularly concerning those who are most vulnerable.
Such visibility is heightened as the First Home Mortgage Decree, which specifies the spread (the banks’ profit margin) for 2023, is slated for discussion in the upcoming session of the Great and General Council. The legislative landscape for 2024 is set to bring this issue back into sharp focus.
Rete has consistently articulated its stance: the State currently subsidizes between 65% and 85% of mortgage interest rates. Therefore, it holds the responsibility—and the power—to engage more actively at the negotiation table with the banks. This collaboration is essential to develop viable solutions that preserve lenders’ rightful profit ambitions while keeping rates manageable; we propose that this spread be capped at a maximum of 2%.
This proposal aims to establish a “solidarity spread,” which would prevent the overall mortgage rates from skyrocketing to the alarming levels of 6% to 8% as is currently the case. Implementing this measure could translate into a difference of only a few hundred euros more per month for those individuals facing financial hardship.
We firmly believe that the right to housing has become a pressing social emergency in San Marino, characterized by soaring rents and burgeoning mortgage costs amidst a chronic shortage of public housing options. Despite nearly 2,000 properties being documented as vacant or “otherwise” rented, effective solutions have yet to materialize.
It is crucial to initiate policies aimed at discouraging the stagnation of real estate assets—commonly described as lying dormant in the banks or in the portfolios of large developers. We must incentivize these properties to re-enter the market, promoting their availability to those in need.
In the past, we witnessed the banking sector receive significant aid to recover from a profound financial crisis that almost led to its collapse. Now, it is time for that same sector to reciprocate and give back to the community. The onus is on the State and the Government to compel them to take action and contribute meaningfully to alleviate the hardships faced by their fellow citizens.
This response is not merely about fostering fairness and solidarity; it is not intended to hinder private entities from pursuing their legitimate business interests. Instead, we must encourage them to make ethical and industrial choices, choosing not to exploit the most economically vulnerable segments of our population.
Such an approach reflects the ethos of a nation where solidarity among various social components is recognized as a core value secured by the State—not just an empty slogan bandied about during election campaigns.”
**Interview with Alex Martin, Housing Advocate and Leader of the “Homes for All” Initiative**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Alex. Housing has been a hot topic lately, especially with so many homes sitting vacant while mortgage rates soar. What’s your take on the current situation?
**Alex Martin:** Thanks for having me! It’s frustrating, to say the least. We’re witnessing a societal emergency, with around 2,000 homes left vacant while countless people struggle to afford rent or mortgages. The disconnect is staggering. It’s as if we have a whole treasure trove of homes that could be lives saved, yet they’re gathering dust instead.
**Editor:** You mentioned the upcoming discussion on the First Home Mortgage Decree. Why is that significant?
**Alex Martin:** Absolutely! The First Home Mortgage Decree is crucial because it aims to set a “solidarity spread” of no more than 2% on mortgage rates. This is essential to ensure that those who are most vulnerable in our society can afford homes without being crushed by exorbitant rates. It’s time for our government to step up and negotiate firmly with the banks to make this a reality.
**Editor:** There seems to be an underlying hypocrisy in how financial institutions operate. Can you elaborate on that?
**Alex Martin:** Definitely. The banks were bailed out during tough times, but now they’re hesitant to offer any real help to everyday people facing a crisis of their own. We’re not asking for a handout; we’re asking for fairness. These institutions need to remember their responsibility to the communities that supported them when times were tough. It’s just about pulling everyone up, not just their bottom line.
**Editor:** Solidarity seems to be a recurring theme here. How can communities mobilize to support this initiative?
**Alex Martin:** Solidarity shouldn’t just be a campaign slogan; it has to be a lived reality. We need to rally, raise awareness, and hold our elected officials accountable. The more pressure we apply, the more likely they are to turn their words into actions. It’s about standing together and demanding that our political leaders prioritize housing as a fundamental human right.
**Editor:** what would you say to those who feel disillusioned by politics?
**Alex Martin:** I completely understand that feeling. But change is possible if we’re willing to fight for it and stay engaged. Let’s not give in to despair. The empty houses around us are a reminder of what we’re capable of if we come together. We can create a community where everyone has a place to call home.
**Editor:** Thank you, Alex. Your insights on this issue are invaluable as we strive for solutions in our communities. Let’s hope for real action soon!
