Chunta Aragonesist participated on Sunday in the demonstration «Zaragoza is not for sale,» organized by more than fifty neighborhood groups in the city, in response to a way of governing Zaragoza that prioritizes speculation, privatization, and business instead of investing in urbanism for the public good, enhancing the value of neighborhoods, and providing affordable housing.
«We cannot stand idly by while our common heritage is sold off, public land for social housing is earmarked for private interests, speculations in Venecia Purares, neighborhood facilities, outsourced services, and a city model that expels residents instead of protecting them,» said the president.
Bernal believes that «the Zaragoza we love and defend is in danger. Natalia Chueca has turned our city into a battlefield for speculation, selling it to the highest bidder without addressing the real needs of its citizens.»
CHAA criticized the policy of «wild urbanism» that, in its opinion, favors «big companies and investment funds» and «abandons» its citizens. «One of the most blatant examples is the sale of public land for the construction of questionable benefits for the city, like selling Parque Hispanidad to build luxury homes. A space that served as a meeting point and leisure area for the young people of Zaragoza will be replaced by a property that will only benefit a few, leaving many without,»
In addition, Bernal warned about the operation to abandon the facility, «where private interests prevailed over the common good, leading to a lack of planning and commitment to an area very close to the city center.» This contrasts with the mayor’s lack of interest in acquiring the Teeos factory in Picaral, despite neighborhood movements’ claims.
The Cha Zaragoza president also mentioned the recent inauguration of the private hospital in Quirón, which he sees as «a clear attack on the public health model.»
«While public health centers and hospitals are facing cuts and lack of investment, the Municipal Council, following the privatization tendencies of the Azcón government, is offering land for the expansion of private healthcare, perpetuating inequality in access to healthcare and undermining the public system,» he lamented.
He also criticized the «lack of investment in neighborhoods,» which, he warned, «widens the gap between the city center and the outskirts, with neighborhoods suffering from lack of maintenance, insufficient public services, and growing inequality. The two-speed system promoted by this municipal government is unacceptable.»
Against this rejected model, Chuaquín Bernal emphasized that «we advocate for a city for the people, not for speculators. We support sustainability and social justice, affordable housing, welcoming public spaces, and quality municipal services.»
