Mass Housing Protests Erupt Across Spain After Legislative Setback

• Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets in 50 Spanish cities demanding affordable housing.
• The wave of demonstrations followed the rejection of housing reform decrees by the Spanish Congress.
• Key demands include a 50% reduction in rent, the expropriation of properties held by large investment funds, and the implementation of indefinite rental contracts.

Regional Developments

• Madrid: Thousands of people converged on Plaza de Cibeles from four major assembly points.
• Vitoria: Protests intensified following the eviction of a family with two children during the parliamentary voting process.
• Palma de Mallorca: Demonstrators combined protest marches with long-term encampments in the city center.
• Valencia: Clashes between police and protesters occurred near a real estate investment conference; authorities deployed tear gas and rubber bullets. Between 2020 and 2025, average rents in Valencia increased by 74%.

Political Context

• The social mobilization gained national momentum following the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal 10 days ago.
• The collapse of government support for housing decrees—driven by the withdrawal of support from Junts per Catalunya—has led to speculation regarding a potential snap general election.
• Gonzalo Álvarez, spokesperson for the Sindicato de Inquilinas, declared that political solutions have stalled and that the priority is building an unstoppable social majority.

Labor Involvement

• While major unions (CC.OO. and UGT) have joined the demonstrations, they are currently debating whether to support a general strike.
• Activists are pushing for a strike, which would be the first in Spain since 2012.