Madrid: Protests over unaffordable housing continued across Spain over the weekend after parliament rejected emergency measures intended to protect tenants and address rising rental costs.
The latest wave of anger followed the eviction of 87 year old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home of around 70 years. She said she could not afford a 230 percent rent increase after an investment fund, a company managing investors’ money, acquired the property.
Although she subsequently reached an agreement allowing her to return, her case became a symbol of the uncertainty facing renters.
The wider dispute concerns sharply rising rents, insufficient housing supply and limited public housing, meaning homes provided or supported by the state at affordable rates. Campaigners also blame property speculation, buying homes primarily for financial gain, and tourist rentals for increasing pressure on residents.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government proposed two emergency decrees, measures that require parliamentary approval to remain in force. They included protections against evicting vulnerable tenants and changes to rental arrangements.
The Popular Party, Vox and the Catalan party Junts voted against them on October 2. Opponents argued that tighter regulation could cause landlords to withdraw properties from the rental market, making shortages worse.
Saturday’s Madrid demonstration drew 70000 people according to authorities, while organisers claimed 500000. Further protests were reported on Sunday in cities including Bilbao, Murcia, Salamanca, Oviedo and Cuenca.
Many demonstrations were peaceful, although police used tear gas and rubber bullets during clashes in Valencia. The Tenants’ Union has called for a general strike, a coordinated stoppage of work across sectors, but a nationwide date has not been confirmed in the reports available.
The rejected measures have increased pressure on Sánchez’s government. An early election is being discussed, but the reports checked contain no confirmed announcement.
