Spain Housing Protests Follow Rejection of Tenant Measures
Protesters filled Madrid streets on Saturday over the housing crisis. Lawmakers had rejected emergency housing measures from Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government.
The measures were meant to strengthen tenant protections. The rejected rules included eviction protections and automatic lease renewals.
Opponents argued they could reduce housing supply. Organizers estimated 500,000 people turned out in Madrid.
But the government estimate was 70,000. The Guardian reported tens of thousands of protesters in Madrid.
Sky News and France 24 described similar crowds. Protests were held in around 50 other Spanish cities.
The BBC said more than 50 protests took place across Spain. The protests followed the forced eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal.
The Guardian said the measures aimed to address anger over her eviction. Demonstrators waved posters calling for a general strike. The Guardian reported clashes in Valencia.
Key Terms 3
- eviction Being forced by law or authorities to leave your home.
- lease renewals Extending a rental agreement so a tenant can keep living in a home.
- tenant A person who pays rent to live in a home.