Protests Erupt Across Spain Over Housing Crisis

Tens of thousands of people protested across Spain on Saturday, demanding greater protections for tenants after the government failed to pass emergency housing legislation. Approximately 50 marches occurred in cities including Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. A spokesperson for the Valencia Tenants' Union stated, "There is a lot of anger in the streets." Some clashes occurred between protesters and police in Valencia. The proposed measures by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's leftist coalition government were prompted by public outcry following the eviction of an 87-year-old woman last month due to a significant rent increase. This eviction led to nationwide protests, with demands for lower rents, an end to evictions, and a ban on investment funds purchasing property. Sánchez's coalition government, which lacks a parliamentary majority, faced a defeat in Congress on Friday, raising speculation about the possibility of early general elections. In Valencia, protesters clashed with police near the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, where a real estate summit was taking place. Reports indicated that nine police officers were injured and five individuals were arrested. In Madrid, estimates of protest participation varied, with the Tenants' Union claiming 500,000 participants while officials estimated 70,000. Demonstrators displayed banners with messages such as "There won't be peace for rentism" and chanted, "We have the keys of all the city." Some protesters camped at Puerta del Sol for several days. One protester, David, expressed, "We're not here for pleasure or comfort. We're here out of conviction." Another protester, librarian Marcos Sainz, shared his experience of rising rental costs, stating he previously paid 900 euros for a two-bedroom flat, while a one-bedroom now costs around 1,000 euros. The police reported the arrest of three members of a far-right group attempting to reach the demonstrators. Following the rejection of the government's proposed measures, the Madrid Tenants' Union called for a general strike. The proposed legislation included a suspension of evictions for vulnerable tenants until 2030, a two-year extension for expiring rental leases, tax increases for tourist apartments, and restrictions on residential property purchases by investment funds. The first decree was rejected by 178 votes to 172, and the second by 184 to 166. The conservative People's Party and far-right Vox had indicated their opposition to both initiatives, leaving the minority government reliant on support from smaller nationalist parties. The Bank of Spain estimates a shortage of 700,000 homes in the country, with house prices rising by 12.2% over the past year. Rental costs increased by 8.5% in 2025, with Madrid experiencing a 9.7% rise in rents. Barcelona and Madrid are reported as the most expensive cities for renting, at €23.80 and €22.70 per square meter, respectively.