Spain housing protests grow after parliament rejects renter measures
Tens of thousands rallied after lawmakers rejected two government decrees. Election speculation has surfaced, but Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has not called a poll.
Tens of thousands of people rallied across Spain after parliament rejected two government decrees intended to address the housing crisis. The protests followed the eviction of 87-year-old Madrid tenant Maria del Carmen Abascal, whose representatives say she has since returned home.
The measures proposed protections against evictions for vulnerable tenants, restrictions on speculation and short-term leases, tax incentives, and automatic lease renewals. The People’s Party, Vox and Junts opposed them. Junts argued the proposals could prompt landlords to withdraw properties from the rental market and push prices higher.
The rejection has intensified pressure on Sánchez’s minority coalition to respond to housing costs. Al Jazeera reported that average rents in Spain have almost doubled over the past decade, while protests against mass tourism have also been linked to housing pressures.
The demonstrations were mostly peaceful, though Al Jazeera reported police used tear gas and rubber bullets in Valencia and Madrid. Spanish police also arrested three members of a far-right group in Madrid, according to the report.
People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo urged Sánchez to call an election. Media reports cited by Al Jazeera suggested a poll could be held as early as 29 November, but Sánchez has not announced one. Spain’s general election is currently scheduled for July 2027.
