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Protesters across Spain demand action over housing crisis after government bill fails
Overview
Protests have erupted across Spain, including in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, following the parliamentary defeat of emergency housing legislation proposed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's coalition government. The failed decrees included measures such as suspending evictions for vulnerable tenants until 2030, tax increases on tourist apartments, and restrictions on property purchases by investment funds. The crisis was initially sparked by public outrage over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, contributing to ongoing anger over soaring rent costs and a national housing shortage.
Key points
- About 50 planned marches and demonstrations are taking place across Spanish cities, including Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona.
- The protests were triggered by public outrage over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman and have intensified following the failure of emergency housing legislation in parliament.
- Spain's minority government saw its two housing decrees rejected in Congress by votes of 178-172 and 184-166 after failing to secure essential support from regional parties like JxCat.
- The rejected legislation included suspending vulnerable tenant evictions until 2030, extending rental leases, taxing tourist apartments, and restricting purchases by 'vulture funds'.
- The Bank of Spain estimates the country faces a shortage of 700,000 homes, with rental costs rising significantly over recent years.