Nearly 100 Residents Face Eviction in Gran Canaria
A mass eviction affecting almost 100 residents in Becerril de Guía, Gran Canaria, is set for Tuesday, following a meeting between local authorities and families with children living in the area. The council informed the families that there is no assistance available, warning that children could be taken into care if they are left homeless, which many interpreted as a threatening statement. The meeting was attended by Social Services Councillor Alejandro Rivero Díaz, social workers, and police representatives.
Two months ago, Santa María de Guía’s Mayor, Alfredo Gonçalves Ferreira, announced that around 200 people would be evicted on 30 June. The council was aware of the impending eviction since a court order in December 2024, regarding land owned by the Félix Santiago Melián group. Despite officially registering at least 79 residents, the council now estimates that around 50 people will actually be evicted this week, with no housing solutions in place.
Judicial delays since October 2025 had stalled the eviction due to the lack of social vulnerability reports. The last request for these reports was made in March, but the council has not disclosed how many have been submitted.
An appeal has been lodged by the lawyer of one affected individual, arguing that the vulnerability of their client was not properly considered in the eviction proceedings. The appeal states that the court order lacks factual assessment and proper social report evaluations.
In response to queries about the number of vulnerability reports sent to the court, the council claimed it had cooperated fully, but did not provide further details, citing the sensitivity of the information.
The situation drew public attention after the council’s statement on 9 April, seeking inter-institutional cooperation, particularly from the Cabildo of Gran Canaria and the Canary Islands Government, to address the potential impact of the eviction on about 200 individuals. The local council has declared a “social and health risk situation” and requested urgent assistance from various government bodies.
However, the municipality lacks its own housing resources, complicating efforts to address emergencies like this. Current funding for the year is reportedly €4,416.98 less than the previous year, according to the Ministry of Social Welfare.
Presently, about 79 residents remain at the former Mr. Leacock estate. A recent judicial order specifies that the eviction is to be executed by Félix Santiago Melián SL, yet it only identifies two named individuals, grouping the rest as “unknown occupants.” Local residents have reported feeling neglected by the council, with many unsure of their next steps if the eviction goes ahead.
Some residents plan to protest outside the council office, expressing concern over where they will sleep after the eviction.
