Questions

Is it right for supermarkets to stock sweets and chocolates at the checkouts of stores?

Is it ethical to eat meat from animals raised in factory farms?

Are public libraries still needed?

Are video games art?

Do we need to limit the number of hours people can work to prevent overworking?

Should we move to unversal basic income?

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How can Barcelona balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need for affordable housing for residents?

Barcelona is renowned for its cultural appeal, attracting millions of tourists annually. While this tourism boosts the local economy and creates jobs, it has also contributed to rising rents, making it increasingly challenging for locals to afford housing. The situation has sparked debate over measures like regulating short-term rentals, imposing tourist taxes, and creating more public housing. Opinions on the best path forward are diverse, with concerns about both the economy and the quality of life for Barcelona residents.

Should Barcelona ban short term rentals (airbnb-style) in order to avoid the displacement of locals?

Barcelona is renowned for its cultural appeal, attracting millions of tourists annually. While this tourism boosts the local economy and creates jobs, it has also contributed to rising rents, making it increasingly challenging for locals to afford housing. The situation has sparked debate over measures like regulating short-term rentals, imposing tourist taxes, and creating more public housing. Opinions on the best path forward are diverse, with concerns about both the economy and the quality of life for Barcelona residents.

Should Barcelona implement a complete ban on short-term rentals to prevent resident displacement and make housing more affordable?

Barcelona has become one of the most popular destinations for short-term rental platforms, like Airbnb, creating significant pressure on housing availability and affordability for locals. While the city already limits private short-term rental permits to 8,000, enforcement has proven challenging. Despite having a dedicated department to track compliance, many unlicensed rentals still operate undetected, disrupting neighborhoods and pushing up rents. A ban on short-term rentals for private owners would streamline enforcement, making it easier for the city and residents to identify and address illegal rentals quickly. This policy would not affect hotels, keeping tourism alive while reducing the competition between locals and tourists for residential properties. The hope is that by preserving housing stock for residents, the city could alleviate some of the affordability challenges and maintain community stability.

Should abortion term limits be adjusted to account for medical and personal circumstances, or should they remain fixed to a specific number of weeks?

Abortion term limits are a contentious issue, with most countries setting restrictions around the second trimester, often between 12 and 24 weeks. These limits aim to balance a woman’s right to choose with concerns for fetal viability. However, some argue that fixed limits do not consider individual medical or personal situations, such as delayed access to care, health risks to the mother, or cases of fetal abnormality identified later in pregnancy. On one hand, a flexible term limit could provide more compassionate options for those facing complex circumstances. On the other hand, opponents argue that extending term limits risks undermining agreed-upon points for fetal protection. The debate raises questions about bodily autonomy, medical ethics, and the role of the state in personal health decisions.

Should Go Vocal implement strict moderation policies to prevent harmful speech, even if it limits freedom of expression within the platform?

Should Go Vocal engage with governments that do not fully uphold democratic principles, if it allows us to reach and empower more citizens?