Protesters across Spain demand action over housing crisis
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Protesters are demanding greater protections for tenants after the government failed to pass emergency housing legislation in parliament on Friday.
About 50 planned marches were expected to take place in cities like Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona on Saturday—some already underway.
"There is a lot of anger in the streets," said a spokesperson for the Valencia Tenants' Union, where a demonstration has begun.
The eviction last month of an 87-year-old woman from her home after she couldn't afford a rent increase sparked nationwide protests. Demonstrators are calling for lower rents, an end to evictions, and a ban on investment funds—or "vulture funds" as the government calls them—purchasing property.
Sánchez's defeat in congress on Friday fuels speculation he might call early elections, which were not scheduled until next summer. His coalition government lacks a majority in parliament.
Spanish PM Sánchez loses key housing crisis vote after eviction of woman, 87
Published 20 hours ago
The largest demonstration is set to take place in Madrid, where protesters have been camping in Puerta del Sol square for days.
David, a protester interviewed by Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, said: "We're not here for pleasure or comfort. We're here out of conviction."
On Friday night, Madrid's Tenants' Union criticized the government's proposed measures as insufficient and declared that the defeat of the legislation "exacerbates the housing crisis which is costing the working class their lives." They are calling for a general strike over the housing crisis.
The proposed legislation included:
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Suspension of evictions for vulnerable tenants until 2030
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Two-year extension to rental leases expiring before 2028
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Tax increases on tourist apartments
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Restriction on the purchase of residential properties by "vulture funds"
However, both decrees were rejected by parliament.