Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Spain to protest the country’s worsening housing crisis, demanding lower rents and stronger protections for tenants.
Around 50 demonstrations are taking place in cities including Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia after the government’s emergency housing measures were rejected in parliament. The proposed reforms included protections against evictions, extensions for rental contracts, higher taxes on tourist apartments and restrictions on property purchases by investment funds.
In Valencia, tensions escalated as some protesters clashed with police near a major real estate summit. Spanish media reported that several officers were injured and five people were arrested.
Madrid saw one of the largest demonstrations, although estimates varied sharply. The city’s Tenants’ Union claimed around 500,000 people attended, while government officials estimated the crowd at about 70,000.
The protests come as housing costs continue to rise. Spain is estimated to be short of around 700,000 homes, while house prices increased 12.2% over the past year.
Protesters say they will continue demanding affordable housing and stronger tenant protections until meaningful action is taken.
