Home · World · Oct 3 archive
Spanish Protesters Flood Streets Over Housing Crisis
Developing
In Short: Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Spain on Saturday, demanding action on the country's housing crisis.
Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Spain on Saturday, demanding action on the country's housing crisis. The demonstrations, which included clashes with police in Valencia, were sparked by the government's failure to pass emergency housing legislation.
In Madrid, one of the largest protests saw tensions rise between some demonstrators and police. Protesters are calling for greater protections for tenants, lower rents, and an end to evictions.
The protests were triggered by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, who has become a symbol of Spain's housing crisis. Her eviction led to nationwide protests demanding action on the issue.
The protests are part of a broader movement calling for a general strike over the housing crisis. Barcelona and Madrid are among the most expensive cities in Spain to rent a home, with costs at €23.80 and €22.70 per square metre, respectively.
Background
The lawyer for Maricarmen Abascal, who has become a symbol of Spain's housing crisis, said on Tuesday that she would be allowed to return to her home after reaching a deal with the company that owns her apartment.
Pakistan has deployed tens of thousands of security forces and blocked access to Islamabad ahead of a planned protest by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
What's still developing
- "There is a lot of anger in the streets," said a spokesperson for the Valencia Tenants' Union, where a demonstration has already started.
- Spanish PM Sánchez loses key housing crisis vote after eviction of woman, 87 Photographs showed protesters in the east coast city of Valencia clashing with police officers on Saturday near arts centre Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, which was hosting a real estate summit.
- Sainz said he would protest against rent rises "until someone dares to regulate it all", or "we'll all have to leave Madrid".
- On Friday night, Madrid's Tenants' Union said that although the government's proposed measures were insufficient, the rejection of the proposed legislation "exacerbates the housing crisis which is costing the working class their lives".