Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Spain on Saturday, demanding stronger protections for tenants after the government failed to pass emergency housing legislation.
About 50 marches were reported, with major cities including Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. "There is a lot of anger in the streets," said a spokesperson for the Valencia Tenants' Union, noting clashes as police confronted some protesters.
The protests were sparked by the eviction of 87‑year‑old Maricarmen Abascal last month after a sharp rent increase made her home unaffordable. Her removal triggered nationwide demonstrations calling for lower rents, an end to evictions and a ban on so‑called "vulture funds" buying residential property.
Following the failed vote, Pedro Sánchez’s leftist coalition—comprising the Socialist Party and the Sumar alliance—faces speculation that he may call an early general election, a move not due until next summer. The coalition does not hold a majority in Congress, and opposition parties such as the People's Party and Vox already opposed the measures.
In Madrid, protest numbers were disputed: the Tenants' Union claimed 500,000 participants, while officials reported 70,000. Demonstrators filled Puerta del Sol with banners reading "There won’t be peace for rentism" and shouted "We have the keys of all the city." Some protesters even set up tents in the square for days.
Police arrested three members of a far‑right group after they attempted to confront demonstrators, and reports say some turned to Nazi salutes. In Valencia, tensions rose near the arts centre Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía where a real estate summit was underway; police used rubber bullets after protesters threw objects.
The legislative package rejected by Congress consisted of two decrees. The first aimed to suspend evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, extend lease terms, increase taxes on tourist apartments and restrict purchases by investment funds. The second focused on automatic renewal of rental contracts. Both were narrowly voted down, with 178‑172 and 184‑166 defeats respectively.
The Bank of Spain estimates a shortfall of 700,000 homes, while the national statistics institute recorded a 12.2% rise in house prices over the past year. In 2025, rental costs rose by 8.5%, and Madrid saw a 9.7% increase in rents. Barcelona and Madrid remain the most expensive cities to rent, at €23.80 and €22.70 per square metre respectively.
