According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), Cádiz registered a loss of 660 inhabitants during the first quarter of 2026, positioning it as the Spanish city with the largest demographic decline in that period. This figure has prompted a reaction from the municipal group Adelante Izquierda Gaditana (AIG), which has attributed this setback to the urban and housing policies of the current local government team.

A spokesperson for the political group noted that the population loss in the capital of Cádiz is a sustained trend over time. While acknowledging that the phenomenon has occurred under various administrations, they highlighted that the largest declines have coincided with governments led by the Partido Popular.

The AIG municipal group links this demographic evolution to political decisions regarding housing and urban development. They argue that the current model favors business interests over access to housing for residents. As an example, they mentioned the price of protected housing in the Puntales area, which stands at 300,000 euros, questioning whether these prices help curb the loss of inhabitants.

Furthermore, the group criticized the tourism and urban model promoted by the municipal government team, accusing it of prioritizing the establishment of new hotels over policies aimed at consolidating the resident population. They also questioned other recent municipal initiatives, such as campaigns to encourage registration in the municipal census.

Population loss is a trend that Cádiz has been experiencing for decades, influenced by factors such as limited land availability, rising housing costs, demographic aging, and the departure of young people to surrounding municipalities. In this context, Adelante Izquierda Gaditana has urged the mayor to promote affordable housing policies to facilitate the settlement of families and young people in the city.