Adrián López Sarachaga, Director of Youth and Emancipation, addressed the situation of young people and the policies of the Basque Government in an interview with Radio Euskadi. He pointed out that access to housing is one of the biggest obstacles to youth emancipation, citing the limited market supply, rising prices, later completion of studies, and lower salaries at younger ages.
The Department of Welfare, Youth, and Demographic Challenge has reported that the Emantzipa program has already surpassed 2,000 applications, and the average age of applicants has begun to decrease, from 27 years last year to 26.5 this year.
Furthermore, the Gazteaval program was discussed, which facilitates access to a first habitual residence for young people in Euskadi through a line of guarantees. In less than a year, the program has already facilitated 479 mortgages, allowing for larger loans and reducing the need for substantial initial savings, with mortgage payments often lower than rent.
When asked about the recent disturbances in Bilbao involving youth groups, López Sarachaga clarified that they do not represent the majority of young people in Euskadi. "The majority are against violence," he stated, adding that the right to protest must be exercised while respecting everyone's rights.
The interview also touched upon the relationship between companies and young people, and the possibility of lowering the voting age to 16.
