Lorraine Williamson
In a dramatic turn of events, the eviction of more than 300 workers and others from the Cas Bunets camp on Ibiza was halted at the last minute.
The camp, located on the outskirts of Eivissa, houses workers primarily in the tourism sector, many of whom are struggling with the island’s severe housing shortage. Among the residents are eight pregnant women and a one-month-old baby.
Police surround the camp before eviction
On the morning of Wednesday, April 8th, a large police presence surrounded the camp. A total of 85 officers from the Guardia Civil, Policía Nacional, and local Santa Eulària police were stationed around the area, giving residents until 3.00 pm to vacate the premises. Many of the residents had previously been evicted from the nearby Can Rova site, and had settled at Cas Bunets, which is also known as “Can Rova 2.”
Legal action delays eviction
The eviction was unexpectedly delayed thanks to the intervention of lawyer David Fechenbach, who represented 70 of the camp’s residents. Fechenbach filed a vulnerability report to the court. This prompted a judge in Palma to rule in favour of a temporary suspension of the eviction at 2.30 pm. The ruling provided much-needed respite for the residents, though their future remains uncertain.
Ibiza’s housing crisis
The eviction highlights the ongoing housing crisis in Ibiza, a region that attracts millions of tourists each year. The demand for accommodation is pushing local residents out of the housing market. Moreover, workers in the tourism industry are often unable to find affordable living spaces. Many residents of Cas Bunets contribute to the island’s tourism industry, cleaning, maintaining, and serving guests in hotels and restaurants. However, they find themselves living in tents, makeshift huts, or caravans.
Unaware of the eviction order
According to lawyer Fechenbach, the residents were unaware of the eviction order until it was served. The municipality had only issued a penalty for illegal construction, and Fechenbach claims his clients had no prior knowledge of any legal eviction proceedings. He stated, “We had no idea. And the municipality knows I’m their lawyer.”
Harsh living conditions
The residents live in dire conditions. Many are employed in hospitality, cleaning, or construction, yet earn too little to afford the island’s high rent prices. As a result, they are forced to live in precarious situations, such as cars, camper vans, or makeshift homes constructed from wood and plastic. Because they are not officially registered, they lack access to municipal services, social aid, and stable employment opportunities.
Municipality’s position
The Santa Eulària municipality maintains that it cannot intervene in the situation as the residents are not officially registered, and no formal requests for assistance have been made. Councilman Juan Carlos Roselló explained that the municipality can only intervene if there are health or safety risks. However, residents argue that the lack of guidance from the local authorities prevents them from seeking help, leaving them in a constant state of uncertainty.
History of evictions
This isn’t the first time residents have faced eviction. In July 2024, many people were evicted from Can Rova and later relocated to the Cas Bunets site. The land is owned by the Ayguavives Suaña family, a wealthy real estate group from Barcelona, who have taken legal action to remove the residents.
Collective legal effort
In response to the threat of eviction, the residents raised €12,000 through crowdfunding to cover their legal expenses. Thanks to Fechenbach’s efforts, they have managed to secure a temporary stay. However, without a permanent solution to the island’s housing crisis, their future remains uncertain.
Community divided, yet hopeful
Politician Guadalupe Nauda from Unides Podem stated that the camp is divided into three distinct zones: a lower area with a structured community, a middle section with more reclusive residents, and an upper area where some residents contributed to the legal fund. Despite the division, there is a sense of hope that the community can find solidarity and work together in the future.
A temporary victory
When the news came through that the eviction had been suspended, the residents celebrated their temporary victory with joy. They gathered at a local shop, “Hipersuerte” (Super Luck), to mark the occasion. However, the relief is short-lived, and the fight for stable housing on Ibiza continues.
Also read: The human side of Ibiza´s housing crisis