“After paying almost 70,000 euros, we have to leave.” He spoke angrily in an interview with Arantxa Mejias eldiario.es, spokesperson for the Association of People Affected by Homes Sold by EMVS. The Spanish branch of the multinational Blackstone has given the family of Mejias a month to leave their home.

The family of Mejias signed a ten-year lease agreement with the city council of Madrid. Thus, the family would buy the house on the property at the end of the contract, but in 2013 the government of Ana Botella sold the 1,860 houses signed with this type of contract to Blackstone. Several families created a platform against this decision and Mejias assumed the position of spokesperson. That's exactly why he thinks he's going to be fired: “We’re going to be kicked out of the house in retaliation, it’s a personal attack.”

Blackstone’s Spanish branch, Fidere, gives no explanation: “We tried to negotiate, but in vain. Some families have already been dismissed for not paying.” According to Mejias, “I knew I was fighting Goliath, but I couldn’t let four people ruin the lives of so many families in an office.”

Mejias believes that the previous government of the Madrid City Council is mainly responsible for the situation: “He offered a treat to the vulture funds, and they took it.” He denounces the impunity enjoyed by the authorities of the City Hall of Madrid at that time.

He explains that the municipal government, formed in May 2015, has offered them legal assistance in addition to alternative housing. He welcomes the support of the current municipal commission, but warns that “lately they are falling asleep”: “It was considered a serious problem, even by the mayor. We understand that you want to consider the case calmly, but this situation requires quick decisions.”