I wish to express my disgust and dismay at Spanish minister for development, Jose Blanco's visit to the Uk. 
It is I feel an unbelievable display of hypocrisy and a blatant cheek. This European tour (or property roadshow as termed by some) is an attempt to sell off Spanish property and "build confidence" amongst investors.
It shows a complete lack of respect and disregard towards the thousands affected by the unjust and illegal application of the Spanish coastal law (Ley de Costas 1988) A law that is being implemented to protect the interests of a chosen few,
 while completely disregarding the rights of the average citizen.

The actual law is explained in the links below and there are many articles written on the subject: but I wish to draw attention to something that I feel is of GRAVE concern, not just to those affected, but to all of us who mistakenly
believe that we live in a fair DEMOCRATIC society where we can express ourselves freely without fear of retribution.
 As I write this, I sadly conclude that that is not the case in the country where I currently reside, or indeed in Europe.
What is occuring here in Spain is a blatant INFRINGEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS, the effects of which are felt NATIONWIDE.

This is not an exaggeration; this is a struggle between the people and the state, a battle that goes beyond financial gain, the issue is indeed far deeper.

 I was compelled to write this after having just recently attended the PNALC conference in Valencia (the association of legal properties owners affected by the coastal law) I found myself so moved and angered by the stories of those affected, case after case, from all over Spain, of what I could only describe as,
" An act of state terrorism against the people." Extreme words for an extreme situation. 

I've been warned that by simply writing this letter I could invite "trouble" for myself and family.
What is this culture of fear and oppression that seems to have slowly crept up upon us, invading our pysche and our souls?

 Violation of basic human rights may sound a tad extreme to some but the methods used,and the level of aggression and intimidation experienced by many are not something that Spain would wish to see widely publicized: THE HUMAN COST.

The systematic demolitions, some in the middle of the night involving sleeping property owners being forced from their beds, having to witness their posessions being destroyed. The shock of which, caused the elderly inhabitants to collapse and be hospitalised.

Or the shock and surprise of the couple having breakfast who were suddenly confronted by armed officers and bulldozers; told that their dogs would be shot if they didnt remove them, and forbidden to take photographs of the demolition?
 This is EXTREMELY worrying; You are not FREE to photograph the demolition of your own property?
What is it the authorities fear so much, the TRUTH, perhaps?

Or the property owner landed with a bill of 400, 000 euros for the demolition of their own property?

 Or the elderly gentleman offered the pricely sum of 136 euros, (YES, ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY SIX EUROS!) compensation for the loss of his property? 

Ah, the generosity of the State is beyond words. 

 A major bone of contention is the retroactive application of the law:
If you are one of the "lucky ones", whose home was built legally BEFORE 1988, you may be permitted to stay in your property for a further thirty years as a tenent: your investment becomes STATE property, you will NOT sell it.
And the icing on the cake? if you have a mortgage you are obliged to continue paying for something you no longer own, not knowing at what point the 30 year concession will be retracted, or perhaps increased in a display of unexpected charity.

But for those already left with nothing, having watched their home be levelled to a pile of rubble, any future amendment to the law will be too be late. 

Sadly these are not isolated stories. Many of those affected talk of being treated like "criminals" when they seek help and advice from the authorities. Which is why the asscociation turned to the European parliament for help.
And whilst there are some MEPS who have been outwardly critical of the situation, so far we continue to wait.

What sane person would consider investing in a coastal property in a country where there is no judicial security or transparency? It is the actions of some rogue African state not a modern day democratic European country.
It makes a mockery of the European Union too, with the European Parliament´s inability, and the European´Commission´s unwillingness, to act to protect the basic rights of it's citizens.

It is beyond belief that in a time of severe economic downturn, the government insists on applying this law in such an erratic and abusive fashion, thus drawing the world's attention to the corruption that permeates way beyond the already badly hit construction sector and into the halls of both regional and national government.
Surely this is not conducive to encouraging further property investment in the country?

None of us is against a law which (in theory) should protect the coastline from excessive urbanisation and erosion, and make the coastline accessible to the public.
Call me cynical but it's hard to believe that the authorities are truly concerned with "green issues" given the extreme destruction of the costas in the last thirty years,(which has continued AFTER 1988)in the name of tourism and the construction boom.
Whilst many luxury hotels and villas remain, humble fisherman's cottages and ordinary homes are being demolished along the same stretch of coastline, LEGAL properties, with all documentation and taxes in order.
It is the ordinary hardworking people that are affected, those who have no other home and many without savings, those who live purely on their pension alone.Young and old, Spanish and foriegn alike.

What happened to the concept of Democracy and Freedom of speech? 
What happened to "For a man's house is his castle" ?
'Et domus sua cuique est tutissimum refugium' 'One's home is the safest refuge for all'  Perhaps should be changed to;
 " A politician's home is the safest refuge of all."





http://costasmaritimas.wordpress.com/2011/04/04/libres-pero-sin-alas
web: www.costasmarítimas.com
blog: www.costasmaritimas.wordpress.com 
video: www.youtube.com/user/COSTASMARITIMAS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTrBbZOaqGE