The French declared war on foreigners: Prices are rising

In cities and towns frequented by tourists in France, people rallied against rental housing programs for foreigners.

According to the news in the British newspaper Guardian, a campaign to prevent foreigners from renting homes through Airbnb and other rental programs has been launched in 20 regions of the country. Groups leading the campaign claimed that house prices have skyrocketed because of foreigners, local people have been forced to move elsewhere and historic sites have been damaged.

The campaign launched in regions such as Saint-Malo, Marseille, Chamonix and Mont Blanc also included a call on the French state to take action against foreigners and tourists. Franck Rolland, one of the activists, said: “There is total destruction. The area we live in is emptying out,” he said.

‘They occupied our houses’

The organizers emphasize that due to the influx of foreigners, local shops closed in many regions, people became unemployed, and a system was formed where only those who rented houses to tourists earned. Noting that half of the apartments are “occupied by tourists” in some regions, campaigners also argue that foreigners do not respect historical houses and monuments.

In the capital city of Paris, the municipality had previously implemented some measures to limit short-term rental requests. According to this, owners can only rent their houses or rooms for 120 days a year. Other than that, they have to open a work record.

It is claimed that due to the Summer Olympics taking place next year in the city, where rents are very high, many Parisians are considering leaving the city by renting out their houses temporarily.

To date, similar measures have been taken with regard to short-term rentals in Barcelona, ​​​​Amsterdam and Florence outside of Paris.