On April 5, tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across nearly 40 cities in Spain to express their anger and frustration regarding the ongoing housing crisis, which significantly impacts purchasing power, particularly among young people.

The protests were organized by tenant unions that called for mobilization in cities including Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia.

They demanded a reduction in rental prices, the establishment of indefinite rental contracts, and government initiatives to reclaim vacant housing, including those used for tourism or seasonal rentals.

Additionally, they called for an end to speculative home purchases and the dismantling of eviction groups.

In Madrid, one of the largest protests drew thousands as participants marched along the Paseo del Prado towards Plaza de España, chanting slogans such as "bote, bote, bote, rentista el que no bote" and shaking their keys in unison.

Valeria Racu, spokesperson for the tenant union in the capital, characterized the protest as historic, suggesting that it marked the beginning of the end for a system that consumes the wages and future of millions of Spaniards.

Racu criticized the government's response, asserting, "If they do not recover the seized homes left vacant, we will do it ourselves."

In Barcelona, the protest format differed from a traditional march, featuring a political rally with speeches held on Avenida de María Cristina.

Various organizations, including the Renters’ Union and the Housing Platform, participated, representing diverse groups affected by the housing crisis.

Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for the Tenants' Union in Barcelona, highlighted the unrelenting rise in prices and the urgent need for government action.

"Governments are responsible; they need to confront the real estate power, or the housing crisis will overwhelm them," she warned.

Participants voiced concerns across various demographics, from long-time residents like Marta Ruiz, who lamented that her building was purchased for tourist rentals, to retirees like Victor Antonio Bernardo, who shared that his entire pension goes towards rent, forcing him to take on extra work to afford basic necessities.

The minister of Housing, Isabel Rodríguez, acknowledged the protesters’ frustrations, stating via social media, "Housing must be for living, not for speculation.

We will only achieve this if all administrations commit equally."

In Valencia, the protests echoed similar sentiments, with demonstrators shouting anti-speculation slogans.

The rental market there has seen significant increases post-pandemic, with new home prices rising by 80% and rental prices up by 78% over the past five years, according to local studies.

Witnesses shared that neighborhoods traditionally populated by residents are increasingly filled with properties designated for tourism.

Simultaneous protests in Andalusia included Málaga and Cádiz, where demonstrators reported alarming rental increases, with the average cost of rentals in the region rising by over 13% year-to-year.

Public sentiment reflects a growing unease regarding access to housing, especially as the crisis impacts lower-income families, vulnerable groups, and even more established citizens trying to assist younger generations.

In San Sebastián, the city with the highest average property prices in Spain, demonstrators gathered to voice their frustrations, highlighting the barriers faced by foreign families in accessing housing and the ongoing gentrification that displaces longtime residents.

Protesters emphasized that the housing crisis is not just an economic issue but a social justice concern as well.

Amidst these protests, the government faces mounting pressure to enact effective housing policies, particularly after recent surveys indicated that housing is now the primary concern for many Spaniards.

While some legislative measures have been attempted, community pushback and market dynamics continue to thwart broader solutions to the escalating crisis.

Calls for universal access to affordable housing are becoming increasingly urgent as the threat of further social unrest looms.