Organisers say around 200 people pitched tents on the communal square in Molenbeek Saint-Jean, where the collective PTB (Parti du travail du Belgique, Labour) campout took place. The demonstrators were calling for a cap on rent prices in Brussels. It was a symbolic action, marking the start of a petition campaign to support the law proposition the PTB will submit to the Brussels Parliament. It proposes a cap on rent prices. “A cap on rent prices is a concrete measure that could help numerous families. In effect, due to the sixth State reform, our region can change the regional legislation on rental contracts. It can therefore apply a price cap according to objective criteria. This Sunday’s demonstration shows that people want MPs to act to bring rent prices in Brussels down, as the situation is catastrophic”, said Mathilde, a PTB Brussels MP.
“60 percent of Brussels residents rent, but rent prices are extremely high in our region. Not only do rent prices continue to go up, but they are going up faster and faster. The rental board noticed a 20% increase between 2004 and 2013”, she added.
“Rent takes up 40% of many Brussels resident’s income. As it is such a large part of the household budget, rent increases inequality and poverty. The more it costs, the more inequality it creates”, she said.
(Source: Belga)
