Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Madrid and other Spanish cities over housing, one day after parliament rejected measures proposed by the government of Pedro Sánchez.
The development revived discussion about the possibility of an early election.
In Madrid, around 100 activists have been camping for a week in a central square. Marches ended in a large gathering in the city centre, under the main slogan “Towards a general strike”.
Authorities estimated turnout at around 70,000 people, while the tenants’ union, which organised the mobilisation, spoke of 500,000 demonstrators.
“What the streets are conveying is a new energy,” said Valeria Rakou, a representative of the tenants’ union. She argued that the protests could put greater pressure on the government to introduce measures in support of housing.
Clashes and arrests
Demonstrations were also held in Palma de Mallorca, Santander, Segovia and Toledo. In Barcelona, the mobilisation was cancelled because of a storm.
Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police in Valencia. According to local media, nine police officers suffered minor injuries and five people were arrested.
The protests are taking place amid strong dissatisfaction over the rising cost of housing. Demonstrators told Agence France-Presse that a large part of their income goes towards rent, calling for stricter market regulation and greater protection for tenants.
The demonstrations had been scheduled before the government measures were rejected, but intensified after a woman aged over 80 was evicted from her apartment in Madrid. The case became a symbol of the housing crisis.
Calls for elections
The rejected measures included the suspension of evictions of vulnerable people until 2030, restrictions on speculative investment funds and the automatic renewal of leases.
Their rejection revived questions about the duration of the current parliamentary term, which ends in 2027. According to the Spanish press, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said he would need a few days to assess the situation and decide whether to call an early election.
The leader of the right-wing opposition, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, called on Sánchez to hold an election, arguing that “the country cannot take it anymore”.
The lack of affordable housing is one of the most important social issues in Spain. Short-term rental platforms and investment funds are accused of contributing to rising prices and reducing the housing available to permanent residents.
Source: CNA
