Naples Gears Up for Major Protest Against Overtourism and Housing Crisis
Naples, February 26 – Residents of Naples are preparing for a significant demonstration on Friday, February 27th, to voice their growing concerns over the city’s escalating housing crisis and the detrimental effects of overtourism. The protest, organized by the ‘Resta Abitante’ (Stay Resident) campaign committees, will commence at 5:00 PM from Piazza Dante.
The organizers are calling for an end to soaring rental costs and the dramatic increase in executive evictions, which have reportedly surged by 600% over the past decade. They also highlight discrimination faced by families, workers, and students in the housing market, phenomena they unequivocally link to overtourism and the proliferation of short-term rentals.
Criticism of Municipal Administration’s Housing Policies
During a press conference held this morning to announce the initiative, campaign representatives criticized the municipal administration for what they perceive as inaction. They stated that the city council, led by Mayor Manfredi, has only offered “words” on these issues and is now proposing a “cosmetic regulation.”
Specifically, the committees argue that the proposed 30% limit on holiday homes and bed and breakfasts in the historic center is insufficient to curb the displacement of middle- and low-income families and students from the heart of the city. They demand a complete freeze on new openings in historic neighborhoods, similar to measures adopted in Florence, and advocate for the recognition of a commercial use (with corresponding taxation) for intensive rentals of entire apartments.
Demands for Active Housing Policies and Public Asset Protection
The Friday march will also press for “active policies for the right to housing.” Activists emphasized that these policies should include the requalification of public housing assets. They reiterated their opposition to the privatization of municipal assets through entities like Invimit and the new Holding for Heritage, as well as a new regulation that would allow financial funds to profit from public housing.
University students also participated in the presentation, denouncing the emergence of private student residences across the city. These developments, often supported by public funds or foundations, offer rooms at market prices – up to 600 euros – and are guaranteed the option to rent to tourists in a hotel-like capacity, further exacerbating the housing crunch for local students.
The ‘Resta Abitante’ campaign promoters also criticized the City of Naples’ “housing plan,” which they claim “resigns itself to the lack of funds for ERP (Public Residential Building) and thus justifies new private building speculation in East Naples.” They countered this by asserting, “We reverse the discourse: we defend the inhabitants and public heritage, we demand new resources for ERP from the Region and the Government.”
March Route and Broader Environmental Concerns
The protest procession on Friday will proceed past the City Hall in Piazza Municipio before reaching the Regional Council headquarters in Via Santa Lucia. The demonstration will also address demands related to health and environmental protection, with protesters calling for measures to combat atmospheric pollution in the city.
The event underscores a growing sentiment among Naples residents that their quality of life is being negatively impacted by unchecked tourism and insufficient governmental response to the resulting housing challenges.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_25/overtourism-e-diritto-alla-casa-manifestazione-cittadina-a-napoli-venerdi-27-febbraio-b38e10a6-62f8-4e62-8cf8-202889d8exlk.shtml
