Spain: Massive protests after housing bills voted down
Organizers estimated that 500,000 people turned out in the streets of Madrid to demand affordable housing. Similar protests were held in around 50 other Spanish cities.
Massive demonstrations were held across Spain on Saturday, as tens of thousands of citizens demanded affordable housing. This came a day after the Spanish parliament voted down two emergency bills aimed at aiding renters and preventing evictions. Protesters in Madrid expressed their frustration, stating that the people must adapt to the political parties, not the other way around, and that this situation cannot continue.
The protests are part of a week-long wave of actions sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid.
Organizers estimated that 500,000 people participated in the demonstration in Madrid, while police reported around 70,000. An even larger number of protests took place in approximately 50 other cities. In Valencia, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters, who managed to enter the City of Arts and Sciences, a prominent city landmark, before being removed by authorities.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's proposed emergency measures included automatic renewal of tenancy contracts and restrictions on evicting vulnerable tenants. However, opposition parties rejected the bills on Friday, leading to widespread anger among protesters. The demonstrators emphasized the need for decent housing, stability, and the opportunity to build a secure future.
Some media reports suggested that Sanchez might call for early elections in November following the failed legislation, and Sanchez's office did not comment on these allegations.
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