Fix Europe’s housing crisis or risk fuelling the far-right, UN expert warns

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Spiraling rents and high property prices in Europe are becoming a significant political issue, with far-right parties leveraging public dissatisfaction to gain support
• The housing crisis, once confined to low-income groups, now affects the middle class broadly, intensifying its political impact

🔭 The context: With the European parliament elections approaching, housing affordability is forecasted to be a major factor boosting far-right parties in many EU countries
• Protests have erupted in major cities, and housing costs have risen sharply, increasing the strain on all income levels

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The housing crisis underscores the need for sustainable, affordable housing solutions
• Current market-driven approaches have led to environmental and social challenges, highlighting the urgent need for policy shifts towards inclusive and ecologically responsible housing strategies

⏭️ What's next: The growing influence of housing issues in political arenas suggests potential shifts in policy and public funding towards more equitable housing solutions
• There is an increased call for housing to be recognized as a human right and for governments to prioritize sustainable development

💬 One quote: "The housing crisis is no longer affecting just low earners, migrants, single-parent families, but the middle classes. This is the social issue of the 21st century" (Balakrishnan Rajagopal, UN Special Rapporteur)

📈 One stat: House prices in the EU have surged by 47% from 2010 to 2022, with rents increasing by 18% during the same period

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