Protests over housing flare in Spain after relief measures rejected

Spain witnessed large-scale protests on Saturday as tens of thousands took to the streets in Madrid and other cities to demand affordable housing, following the rejection of relief measures by lawmakers. The demonstrations continued an ongoing crisis that began a week ago, sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old pensioner, Maricarmen Abascal, from her Madrid home.

The rejection of the Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's proposed measures, which included automatic renewal of tenancy contracts and restrictions on evicting vulnerable tenants, dealt a blow to his minority government. The defeat raised questions about whether his government could survive until the next general election in 2027.

The protests gained momentum as hundreds of protesters occupied a tent city in the heart of Madrid, demanding reforms. Some far-right protesters attempted to infiltrate the camp, but were thwarted by police. One video showed officers chasing and arresting some of the group.

Earlier on Saturday, a general strike call was made, with organizers estimating that either 70,000 or 500,000 people participated in the marches. In Valencia, five people were arrested during clashes with police. Protesters in Madrid expressed frustration over the rising cost of housing, with one librarian stating that a two-bedroom apartment he used to share cost him 900 euros per month, while a one-bedroom flat now often exceeds 1,000 euros.

The housing crisis has been a major concern for Spaniards, as supply falls short of demand, leading to soaring rents and house prices. The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal catalyzed long-standing anger about the escalating housing costs, prompting the new owners to reach a deal allowing her to return to the flat at a reduced rent.

Despite this, the leftist coalition's housing bills were rejected by the Catalan separatist party Junts, the Popular Party, and the far-right Vox party, with the latter urging Sanchez to call early elections.