Protesters across Spain Demand Action Over Housing Crisis

Sat Oct 03 2026 13:53:18 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Mass protests erupt across Spain demanding stronger tenant protections after a failed housing bill stokes anger over the eviction of an 87‑year‑old woman.

Spain’s housing crisis has ignited a wave of protests in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona as tenants call for urgent reforms. The government’s last‑minute bill, aimed at preventing evictions, was rejected by parliament, prompting demands for a general strike. The movement centres on the controversial eviction of 87‑year‑old Maricarmen Abascal, a headline incident that turned public anger into action. With rents soaring and a housing shortfall of 700,000 homes, the demonstrations underscore the urgency of policy change.

Protesters across Spain demand action over housing crisis

Protests are taking place across Spain, calling for greater protections for tenants after the government failed to secure emergency housing legislation in parliament on Friday.

Around 50 planned marches are expected in cities such as Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona, with several already underway. A spokesperson for the Valencia Tenants’ Union described the mood as one of “a lot of anger in the streets”.

The backlash followed the eviction of an 87‑year‑old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, last month after she could not afford a sharp rent rise. Her removal triggered nationwide demonstrations demanding lower rents, an end to evictions and a ban on investment, or “vulture”, funds buying property.

Sanchez’s defeat in congress suggests he might call an early general election, although his coalition of the Socialist Party and the Sumar alliance remains a minority. The two‑decree bill, offering eviction suspensions until 2030 and automatic rental renewals, was rejected on evenly split votes, with the People’s Party and Vox voting against both. Smaller Catalan and Basque parties’ support becomes pivotal, yet even the pro‑independence Together for Catalonia opposed the laws.

In Madrid, the largest demonstration is set in Puerta del Sol, where protesters camped for days amidst rain. One participant told RTVE, “We’re not here for pleasure or comfort. We’re here out of conviction.” The Tenants’ Union called for a general strike following parliament’s rejection.

The Bank of Spain estimates a shortage of 700,000 homes, while house prices have surged 12.2% last year. Rental costs jumped 8.5% in 2025, with Madrid’s rents up 9.7% and Barcelona’s at €23.80 per square metre. The protests signal a growing frustration as the demand for affordable housing outpaces new construction.">