Residents of the Finestrelles neighborhood in Esplugues, Catalonia, occupied the 17th-century Cal Suis farmhouse, demanding its use as a public facility. Their actions oppose the Esplugues City Council's plans to transfer the property to the Order of Sant Joan de Déu for a sociosanitary center.
The council, which expropriated the land in 2002, argues that the surrounding grounds will become public gardens and that the sociosanitary center will benefit the community. Residents believe the center should be built on a vacant lot owned by the nearby hospital instead.
Residents question the council's decision to expropriate the land using public funds and then transfer it to a private entity. They propose using the farmhouse for various community organizations lacking dedicated spaces.
The council has filed a complaint against the residents for illegal occupation but is open to dialogue. They stress their commitment to public benefit and highlight their collaborations with other organizations.
Residents are holding daily activities and assemblies at the farmhouse to gather signatures supporting their cause.