Protesters across Spain demand action over housing crisis

What the report says

Protests are taking place across Spain as tenant groups and housing campaigners press the government to do more on rent rises, evictions and access to affordable homes. According to BBC World News, about 50 marches were planned on Saturday in cities including Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona after lawmakers rejected emergency housing legislation backed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s left-wing coalition.

The rejected measures were aimed at responding to public anger over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman last month after she could not meet a steep rent increase. The government’s proposals included suspending some evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, extending rental contracts, raising taxes on tourist apartments and limiting purchases by investment funds. A second decree would have allowed automatic renewal of leases. Both were defeated in parliament.

The failure is politically significant for Sánchez, whose minority government relies on support from smaller parties and has faced criticism from both opposition parties and housing activists. It also raises questions about whether he may seek an early general election, though no decision has been announced.

The dispute reflects broader pressure on Spain’s housing market. BBC reports cite official and market data showing a shortage of homes and rising rents, especially in Madrid and Barcelona. Tenant groups say the rejection of the laws leaves the crisis unresolved and are continuing to push for stronger protections, including lower rents and limits on evictions.