Housing crisis sparks blockade of Cadí Tunnel ahead of general strike in the Pyrenees

The worsening housing crisis in the Catalan Pyrenees triggered fresh protests on Sunday, November 8, as approximately 40 activists from the Pirineu Viu movement blocked traffic in both directions near the northern entrance to the Cadí Tunnel, one of the main road connections to the Cerdanya region.

The demonstration, which began at approximately 4 p.m. on the C-16 highway, caused traffic congestion as protesters demanded urgent measures to address the growing shortage of affordable housing for permanent residents.

According to El Periódico, officers from the Mossos d'Esquadra, Catalonia's regional police force, intervened at around 5:10 p.m. to establish an alternative passage and gradually restore traffic flow. Police also opened temporary corridors to reduce the queues of vehicles.

The blockade comes just days before a general strike over housing scheduled for November 11, with demonstrations also expected to affect La Seu d'Urgell, a town close to the Andorran border.

More than 60% of homes in Cerdanya are reportedly second or third residences

One of the main grievances raised by demonstrators is the high proportion of properties used as holiday homes or short-term tourist accommodation rather than permanent residences.

According to a spokesperson for Pirineu Viu, more than 60% of homes in Cerdanya are second or third residences, a situation the movement argues severely restricts housing availability for people who live and work in the region throughout the year.

The organisation also points to the expansion of tourist rentals advertised on platforms such as Airbnb as another factor contributing to the shortage of long-term accommodation.

Activists argue that the property market increasingly prioritises seasonal visitors and second-home owners over permanent residents.

They also denounce the widespread use of seasonal rental agreements and 11-month contracts, particularly during the winter ski season and summer tourist period.

According to the movement, this makes it increasingly difficult for young people and families to establish stable lives in Cerdanya, forcing some residents to leave their communities in search of affordable accommodation elsewhere.

"The Pyrenees are not a tourist backdrop. They are our home"

During the road blockade, protesters distributed a manifesto to affected motorists explaining the reasons behind their demonstration.

Under the message "The Pyrenees are not a tourist backdrop. They are our home," the activists criticised a development model they believe places tourism and property investment ahead of the needs of local communities.

The manifesto highlighted rising rents, precarious employment and difficulties accessing public services as growing pressures on people living in the Pyrenean region.

The movement argues that housing is becoming increasingly inaccessible to local workers, despite the economic activity generated by tourism and seasonal visitors.

Housing protests intensify ahead of November 11 strike

Sunday's blockade is part of a wider wave of mobilisation demanding greater access to affordable housing across the Pyrenees.

The upcoming November 11 general strike over housing is expected to bring renewed attention to the difficulties faced by permanent residents in areas heavily dependent on tourism.

The protests highlight a growing conflict between the economic importance of tourism and the ability of local communities to remain in their home towns.

For the activists, the central demand is clear: the Pyrenees must remain a place where people can afford to live, not simply a destination for holidays and second homes.