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Protest against high rental costs in Brussels
Protesters gathered on Place Anneessens on Tuesday to campaign against the high price of housing in Brussels. The initiative was led by the tenants' association Brusselse Woonbond and De Buurtwinkel, a non-profit organisation for increased livability in the neighbourhood around Place Anneessens. The organisers also surveyed passersby about their living situation, and plan to present the results to the Brussels authorities, writes Bruzz.
The protesters built a large scale to symbolise the stark imbalance between price and quality in the Brussels rental market. "We often visit people at home where we provide a service for minor repairs," says Bart Van de Ven of De Buurtwinkel. "We are stunned by the lack of space. We see, for example, families with two children living in 20-30 square metres, where corners have been transformed into a makeshift bedroom or bathroom."
The organisations will present the results of the survey to the Brussels Parliament on 17 October, to mark World Poverty Day.
Comments
Brussels is cheap. If people don't like it, try London, Paris......
The cost of accomodation in Brussels is low relative to other north European capitals. I believe you can get two-bed appartment for 1000 euro a month here.
Agreed. One could also choose not to have more children if living costs are too high.
1k a month if you're not working and have children is not exactly easy. Not all of us are lucky enough to be born in a country that offers an education resulting in a good, secure, well-paid job.. And not everybody can control their living situation if they have children: jobs come and go, partners/husbands/wives come and go.
Well, I am sure that other cities are more expensive, but Brussels is too expensive for what it provides. Are you satisfied with the market store options, transportation, restaurants or other general services? Not to mention the noise pollution in all the good parts of the city!
Prices are shaped after the high demand of temporary labour or other agents that are attracted there by companies and can afford high prices. Belgians are trying to avoid it and have already left the city - foreigners soon come to realise that there is no good value for money and also leave.
Increasing job opportunities and economic activity are causing a tremendous high demand in all areas but the constant substitution of the population creates an opportunistic approach in the commerce, driving quality to the ground and prices uphill (same as in heavily touristic places).