Mass Protests Erupt Across Spain Over Housing Affordability Crisis
Thousands rally in multiple cities demanding lower rents and government action on housing issues.
On Saturday, thousands of people took to the streets in 40 provinces across Spain, protesting against rising housing prices and a glaring shortage of available homes.
This marks the third demonstration organized by tenant unions in the last six months, and the first large-scale national march addressing this issue.
The protests occurred peacefully, as unions voiced their concerns over what they describe as a lack of effective solutions from governmental institutions.
Tenant unions, supported by larger trade unions CCOO and UGT, are demanding a 50% reduction in rents, the abolition of landlord privileges, an end to evictions, and a ban on eviction companies.
They are also calling on government bodies to establish indefinite rental contracts, recover vacant homes—including those used for tourism and seasonal rentals—and expand public housing options through acquisition of properties from Sareb (the state-owned company managing bad bank assets) and expropriations.
The most significant demonstration occurred in Madrid, where organizers estimated participation rates between 100,000 and 150,000, while the Government Delegation cited a significantly lower figure of 15,000.
Participants marched along Gran Vía, chanting slogans such as "Progressive government complicit with landlords" and "Landlord, guilty; Government, responsible!"
In Barcelona, attendance figures varied, with approximately 12,000 reported by local authorities and up to 100,000 according to event organizers, focusing on the urgent need to lower rental prices.
This rally echoed the demands made during a larger protest held on November 23.
Valencia saw around 4,000 participants, who asserted that "the city belongs to its inhabitants," challenging current urban development and tourism policies, and highlighting a staggering 3,600 evictions reported in the Valencian Community in 2024.
Protests also unfolded in several Andalusian cities, including Málaga, Sevilla, and Granada, where attendees expressed longstanding dissatisfaction over skyrocketing housing costs.
In Palma de Mallorca, residents rallied for fundamental housing rights as defined by Article 47 of the Spanish Constitution, critiquing the speculation and tourism overdevelopment affecting the Balearic Islands.
In Galicia, demonstrations took place in Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Ourense, and Vigo, as community members called for an end to the commodification of housing.
Additionally, citizens in Burgos, Salamanca, Segovia, and Valladolid took to the streets to address the ongoing housing crisis.
Similar sentiments were echoed in the Canary Islands, where hundreds protested for access to affordable housing and against speculation in the real estate market.
Valeria Racu, representative of the Tenant Union of Madrid, announced at the forefront of the Madrid demonstration that they were declaring "indefinite rentals" in response to government inaction.
She emphasized the pressing issue of impending contract expirations affecting approximately half a million households this year.
The Tenant Union continues its call for a rental strike, which they believe could facilitate a decrease in monthly rent costs by up to 30%.
In response, Minister of Housing Isabel Rodríguez acknowledged on social media that many individuals had expressed concerns that resonate with her own views, stating that housing should serve a purpose of living rather than speculation.
She emphasized the need for all levels of government to commit to addressing this issue collaboratively.
This marks the third demonstration organized by tenant unions in the last six months, and the first large-scale national march addressing this issue.
The protests occurred peacefully, as unions voiced their concerns over what they describe as a lack of effective solutions from governmental institutions.
Tenant unions, supported by larger trade unions CCOO and UGT, are demanding a 50% reduction in rents, the abolition of landlord privileges, an end to evictions, and a ban on eviction companies.
They are also calling on government bodies to establish indefinite rental contracts, recover vacant homes—including those used for tourism and seasonal rentals—and expand public housing options through acquisition of properties from Sareb (the state-owned company managing bad bank assets) and expropriations.
The most significant demonstration occurred in Madrid, where organizers estimated participation rates between 100,000 and 150,000, while the Government Delegation cited a significantly lower figure of 15,000.
Participants marched along Gran Vía, chanting slogans such as "Progressive government complicit with landlords" and "Landlord, guilty; Government, responsible!"
In Barcelona, attendance figures varied, with approximately 12,000 reported by local authorities and up to 100,000 according to event organizers, focusing on the urgent need to lower rental prices.
This rally echoed the demands made during a larger protest held on November 23.
Valencia saw around 4,000 participants, who asserted that "the city belongs to its inhabitants," challenging current urban development and tourism policies, and highlighting a staggering 3,600 evictions reported in the Valencian Community in 2024.
Protests also unfolded in several Andalusian cities, including Málaga, Sevilla, and Granada, where attendees expressed longstanding dissatisfaction over skyrocketing housing costs.
In Palma de Mallorca, residents rallied for fundamental housing rights as defined by Article 47 of the Spanish Constitution, critiquing the speculation and tourism overdevelopment affecting the Balearic Islands.
In Galicia, demonstrations took place in Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Ourense, and Vigo, as community members called for an end to the commodification of housing.
Additionally, citizens in Burgos, Salamanca, Segovia, and Valladolid took to the streets to address the ongoing housing crisis.
Similar sentiments were echoed in the Canary Islands, where hundreds protested for access to affordable housing and against speculation in the real estate market.
Valeria Racu, representative of the Tenant Union of Madrid, announced at the forefront of the Madrid demonstration that they were declaring "indefinite rentals" in response to government inaction.
She emphasized the pressing issue of impending contract expirations affecting approximately half a million households this year.
The Tenant Union continues its call for a rental strike, which they believe could facilitate a decrease in monthly rent costs by up to 30%.
In response, Minister of Housing Isabel Rodríguez acknowledged on social media that many individuals had expressed concerns that resonate with her own views, stating that housing should serve a purpose of living rather than speculation.
She emphasized the need for all levels of government to commit to addressing this issue collaboratively.
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