In brief
Spanish cities were filled with massive crowds on Saturday as tenants demanded tougher protection after an emergency housing measure failed in Congress. The flank was triggered by the eviction of 87‑year‑old Maricarmen Abascal, galvanising anger over soaring rents and investment funds called “vulture funds”. In Madrid estimates of 500,000 protesters collapsed to 70,000 official figures, while clashes in Valencia added to the drama. The government’s two‑decree plan to suspend evictions, extend leases and restrict fund purchases was rejected by a narrow margin, heightening calls for a general strike. Housing data reveals a 700,000‑home shortfall and rent hikes of nearly 10% in Madrid, deepening the crisis.
Tens of thousands of people turned out across Spain on Saturday, demanding stronger protection for tenants after a government emergency housing measure was rejected in Congress.
The protests were sparked by the eviction of 87‑year‑old Maricarmen Abascal last month, who could no longer afford a steep rent rise. Her removal from her home triggered nationwide outrage, with demonstrators calling for lower rents, an end to evictions and a ban on the so‑called “vulture funds” that buy property for profit.
“There is a lot of anger in the streets,” a spokesperson for the Valencia Tenants' Union told the press as clashes with police raged in the city.
The government’s plan, unveiled on Friday, made up two decrees: the first suspended evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, extended two‑year lease renewals and imposed taxes on tourist apartments; the second automatically renewed rental contracts. Both were defeated by a little over 200 votes in the parliament.
In Madrid, the Tenants' Union estimated 500,000 participants, while officials put the figure at 70,000. Protesters held banners such as “There won’t be peace for rentism” and “I study to have a future, not a tiny apartment,” and chanted, “We have the keys of all the city.” A few protesters even camped in the main square, Puerta del Sol, for days.
Police said three members of a far‑right group were arrested, some of whom had performed Nazi salutes while approaching demonstrators. In Valencia, officers used rubber bullets after protesters breached barriers and threw objects, injuring nine officers and arresting five activists.
The Bank of Spain estimates a shortfall of 700,000 homes, while house prices have risen 12.2% in the past year. Rents jumped 8.5% in 2025, with Madrid seeing a 9.7% increase and Barcelona and Madrid leading the country at €23.80 and €22.70 per square metre, respectively.
The crisis has prompted the Tenants' Union to call for a general strike, arguing that the government’s reactionary measures have only worsened the housing crisis that is eroding the working class.
