The issue of occupation has become central to political debate, including in Aiaraldea. In recent months, Tipularren House in Laudio has been under public scrutiny, a year after people began living there. Following the case reaching the courts, the building is currently at risk of eviction.
Initially, a judge in Amurrio acquitted the young people accused of living in this 19th-century house, interpreting that the conditions for punishment were not met. The judge argued that, due to works carried out by the URA Agency on the Nervión River, not only were the bushes around the house cleared, but a wall was also knocked down, leaving the building open. Furthermore, it was highlighted that the house had been occupied in 2008, and the owner, aware of this, had not filed a complaint at that time.
However, after the acquittal, the owner filed another complaint. Another judge from the Amurrio court took over the case and, this time, decided to fine the four identified individuals 2,400 euros (600 euros each) and order their eviction. This judge noted that the Ertzaintza had informed the convicted individuals about a complaint against them, and yet they did not leave the house.
“"Before, we had such cases in Bilbao, but for the last two years, people have also been coming to us from Aiaraldea or Durangaldea. In your region, I also handled a case in Urduña, for example. In that one, some young people moved into a commercial premises to live."
A lawyer explained that the profile of
Tipularren House has been vacant since 1999, and in the winter of 2025, homeless youths found the door open and entered. The building lacks basic services, such as water, and the windows are broken. There are also issues with dampness and rats, and residents have experienced respiratory problems.
These young people arrived in Euskal Herria without work permits, which prevents them from entering the labor market. To survive, they collect scrap metal or sell objects found in the trash. The police often confiscate these items, accusing them of theft.
Despite these obstacles, the residents of Tipularren House intend to integrate into the Aiaraldea community. To this end, they have enrolled in educational centers to study vocational training and Spanish. Living in the house allows them to concentrate on their studies, which is impossible when living on the streets.
