Spain’s Housing Crisis Spawns Nationwide Protests…
Protesters have taken to streets in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona, demanding stronger tenant protections after the government failed to pass an emergency housing bill.
The eviction of 87‑year‑old Maricarmen Abascal in September, whose rent was increased beyond her means, sparked nationwide outcry and mass demonstrations.
Hundreds of activists have already gathered in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, where they have erected tents and are calling for a general strike.
The coalition government’s bill proposed suspending evictions until 2030, extending leases and restricting property purchases by ‘vulture’ funds, but was rejected by 178 votes to 172.
If the legislation fails to address the housing shortage, Prime Minister Sánchez may call an early election, while the Bank of Spain warns of a 700,000‑unit deficit and rising rents.
With first‑time buyers’ prices up 12% over the last year, the protests underline the urgent need for policy reform across Spain’s busiest metros.
