The deal for the Spin Time building to be acquired by Rome’s municipal authorities has collapsed, leaving its occupants and activists in deep disappointment. The proposed public purchase was abandoned after negotiations with the property owner failed, and the future of the occupied structure remains uncertain. Representatives of the building, which have been in a permanent protest outside since more than a week, chose not to make official statements. According to the Agi, Paolo Perrini, considered the heart of Spin Time and its president, left in tears. Silence also surrounds the city's institutions: Mayor Roberto Gualtieri arrived in his car without responding to journalists waiting outside. The talks with the property owners broke down because the latter placed a veto against an agreement that would have allowed the residents to gradually return to the building while awaiting the sale’s resolution. This information was shared by militants with those gathered in front of the Palazzo di Via Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, where the protest continues. The situation has escalated following an incident that led to the building being cleared and under seizure after an arson attack. The municipality had previously offered to buy the property from Investire, the company that sold it in 2004. However, this offer was rejected, citing that a site inspection would confirm the building's unsuitability for habitation. Meanwhile, the FDI claims that the Ministry of Interior concluded there were insufficient grounds for legality and safety to allow entry. As a result, the people remain on the streets without clear alternatives. Most of those relocated so far have been moved away from the Esquilino district, despite requests to keep the community together, especially to ensure continuity in children's education. Of the seven identified temporary accommodations, three are located beyond the Ring Road. In Via Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, approximately 150 individuals, including some children and elderly, continue to sleep outdoors near the Spin Time building. Many former occupants refuse to move, preferring to stay in their neighborhood where they work and have built personal connections, and have declined alternative housing options. Tomorrow, August 11, at 5 p.m., another meeting is scheduled at the City Hall between Spin Time representatives and officials responsible for housing policies, Tobia Zevi, and social policies, Barbara Funari, to manage the transition process and the demobilization of the protest. Spin Time insists the protest will continue until every individual has a roof over their head. Ken Loach, the director and activist, has expressed solidarity with the Spin Time community. In a letter, he wrote, “I was very upset to learn of the fire at Spin Time, the subsequent eviction, and the terrible consequences it has brought: living on the street must be really difficult for everyone, especially for the youngest.” He recalled a previous meeting with the activists, saying, “I remember with great pleasure our encounter, the ideas we shared, and the songs we sang: Bella Ciao has never sounded so beautiful to me. I could see that your community is creative and driven by generous spirit, based on the principles of sharing and compassion.” An artwork by Laika appeared in Rome overnight between August 9 and 10, in Via Po 16A, facing the headquarters of Investire, the former owner of the building occupied by Spin Time until July 31. The piece, created using one of the tents used by the activists, depicts a girl holding a shield bearing the Spin Time logo, pierced by three arrows symbolizing speculation, repression, and abandonment. “I want to send a message to the property owners,” says the artist. “The fight for Spin Time does not stop. You will find tents everywhere if needed. Ending this experience would mean killing a wonderful example of urban regeneration, a project offering a concrete response to the social and cultural deficiencies of Rome. We cannot allow that. Spin Time must return to public ownership! All my support goes to the inhabitants and activists who resist.” For Laika, Spin Time represents much more than just a building.
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