In periods of serious crisis , national policies, as well as local communities, try in every way to find the strength to revive the entire population .
If in Italy the work of political leaders raises criticisms from the opposition on the consequences of economic maneuvers, in Spain , precisely in the autonomous community of Andalusia , there is a small village where all citizens work earning a fixed salary that allows them to support their family, a small village where there is no unemployment and politicians do not receive any compensationto exercise their institutional position … A society based on solidarity , generosity and a collective spirit where each member undertakes to keep the streets tidy and clean. Utopia
No, we are talking about Marinaleda : the dream of the earth .
How do you live in Marinaleda
- Number of Inhabitants : 2.645 (census in 2014)
- Height : 205 meter slm
- Distance from the Sea : about 130/140 Km (Malaga is 2 hours by car)
- Cost of living : on average € 400/500 per family per month
- Salary per worker : € 47.00 per day – € 1.128.00 per month (regardless of the work done)
- Number of unemployed : About 130 people
Photo by Sebastiano Rossi. In the small village inhabited by just under 2,700 souls, the entire economic and social system is based on equality between people and the sharing of resources . The basic idea in itself is not really far from the intentions of Marxist socialism, but what is most surprising is that this system seems to have been implemented, for the first time in history, in an efficient and functional way, in full respect of democracy. and human rights (this is the main news …).
All the inhabitants work for six hours a day, six days a week, earning a daily salary of € 47.00 . Most of them live on rural agricultureand processing of raw materials, working for the agricultural cooperative that exports products throughout Europe (including Italy). Others take care of public tasks at local administrative offices and schools, or even run small local shops.
In Marinaleda there is a modern sports center, a recreational area for retirees, a large cultural center, a football field and a swimming pool (which costs just 3 euros for the whole summer season), and home services are also available for the elderly. and the needy and in addition alternative media information is guaranteed through local radio and TV.
The health, civil and school facilities are modern and well maintained. The kindergarten
stands out among all ; open from 7:00 to 16:00 costa€ 12.00 per month for each child (with daily breakfast and lunch included).
All this is possible thanks to a thrifty and intelligent use of social funds.
For example, a few years ago the city council decided to abolish the police force , a solution that allows financial savings of around € 260,000 per year.
Monthly there are the so-called “red Sundays”, days in which the whole population is dedicated to the maintenance of the streets and public parks .
Rentals in Marinaleda
The price of houses is 15 euros per month!
Through some state and regional subsidies, the Mayor was able to propose a unique formula for the distribution of housing: every citizen canbuy an apartment by paying an advance of € 15.00 per month , as long as it contributes to its construction.
After the construction of the building, the citizen undertakes to repay the price of the material used for the construction, covering a monthly fee of about € 15.00 or a little more. The law also provides that a document is signed certifying the “unsaleable” of the property for the future (in this way any form of speculation is avoided).
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How to move to the Andalusian city
It is natural that in economically dark times like the current ones, many people seriously consider the possibility of going to live in Marinaleda. Unfortunately, it is not clear what the position of Mayor Gordillo regarding the possible inclusion of new citizens within their “perfect system”.
The economy of Marinaleda is based on self-sufficiency and understandably the mayor intends to preserve this system as much as possible.
Certainly, the waiting list to go to live in the city is quite long, also considering the poor economic conditions of the Spanish state.
A good way to increase the chances that an application will be accepted could be to come up with a large sum to be invested in the cooperative which is the economic and working engine of the country.
Requirements required :
- Good attitude to work
- Predisposition to activism and social commitment
- Economic availability to invest in the municipal cooperative
Unfortunately, it seems that it is not easy to get in touch with municipal officials . So far, very few have been able to obtain comforting information about the transfer possibilities via email or telephone.
On the contrary, several journalists who personally interviewed the Mayor testify to his extreme availability in providing direct information on the reality created by the Izquierda Unida movement.
Tips for moving to Marinaleda :
- Confront other people who want to live in the municipality (Here is an interesting FB page)
- Visit the contact section of the official website and get the numbers and address of the municipal offices
- Organize a visit to the village to explore the real possibilities of transfer
- Get to know the Mayor of Gordillo personally and demonstrate that he can become an added value for the community.
Here is a very interesting article in which the economic miracle of Marinaleda is presented:
Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo: the mayor of the town
Photo by Al-Bayyani. It has now been 30 years since Izquierda Unida, a left-wing Communist party, won the municipal elections, placing itself at the head of the country.
The main figure of reference, as well as the founder of the same political movement, is Juan Manuel Sanchez Gordillo : today mayor of Marinaleda . Activist, trade unionist and history professor, and he is the architect of this “utopian dream” which has become a reality.
The low house prices, the lowest unemployment rate, as well as the good quality of life of the citizens, have allowed Marinaleda to acquire considerable popularity, not only in Spain, but all over the world, making it in fact an excellent example of radical-socialist politics: yet another proof of what it can be fundamental not only to involve the masses, but to make them cooperate by creating a strong collective consciousness .
