Massive tenant marches have erupted across Spain, with up to 50 planned marches expected in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona following the government’s failure to pass emergency housing legislation.
The protests were sparked by the eviction of an 87‑year‑old woman who could not afford a steep rent rise, which ignited public outrage across the nation.
The government’s proposed measures were split into two decrees: the first suspended evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, extended rental leases, increased taxes on tourist apartments and restricted purchases by investment funds; the second aimed for automatic renewal of rental contracts. Both decrees were rejected by a narrow margin in parliament.
Opposition parties, including the conservative People’s Party, Vox and the pro‑independence Together for Catalonia, all voted against the proposals, leaving the minority coalition reliant on smaller nationalist parties.
In Madrid, demonstrators have been camping in Puerta del Sol for days, calling for a general strike over the housing crisis. A protester told the Spanish broadcaster RTVE that their presence is driven by conviction, not comfort.
Housing experts cite a shortfall of 700,000 homes, a 12.2% rise in house prices last year, and an 8.5% increase in rental costs during 2025. Madrid and Barcelona remain the most expensive cities for renters.
The failure of the housing legislation has sharpened speculation that the prime minister could call an early general election, as the ruling coalition lacks a guaranteed parliamentary majority.
