Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Madrid and other Spanish cities following the collapse of a major housing reform in the national assembly. The protests highlight a severe national deficit of approximately 700,000 homes alongside surging rental costs across the country.
Madrid Protests Erupt After Housing Reform Fails in Parliament
Spain’s socialist minority government failed to secure enough votes in the national assembly to pass its comprehensive housing reform package. The legislation aimed to make tenant evictions more difficult over the coming years while blocking large investment firms from buying residential blocks and imposing steep rent hikes.
The legislative defeat triggered widespread anger on the streets. Hundreds of protesters slept in tents on Madrid’s historic Puerta del Sol square, while demonstrations also spread to Andalucía, including Málaga, Sevilla, and Cádiz. Placards in Sevilla read “Housing for those who live in them” and “Out with landlords and speculation funds.”
Eviction of 87-Year-Old Tenant Sparks National Outrage
Public anger over housing costs intensified sharply following the eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal, known as Maricarmen. Police carried her out of her apartment in Madrid’s Retiro district on a stretcher after she lived there for over 70 years.
The apartment had been rented by her family since 1956, but when the building changed owners in 2018, the rent was raised from 500 euro to 2,650 euro per month. Although the investment company later reduced the demand to 1,650 euro, the amount still exceeded Maricarmen’s monthly pension of 1,350 euro. Following intense public pressure and massive protests, the tenant was offered an eight-year lease agreement with a monthly rent of around 500 euro.
Coalition approves emergency housing decrees
The Spanish coalition government approved a series of emergency housing decrees. These measures include eviction protections through 2030 and a ban on investment companies purchasing residential properties until 2028.
The proposed regulations also establish automatic lease extensions through 2028, stricter controls on short-term rentals, and rent increases capped at levels calculated monthly by Spain’s national statistics institute (INE). Health Minister Mónica García stated on X that the actions aim to curb the speculative housing market and restore balance between citizens and investment funds.
Answers to key housing reform questions
Why did the housing reform fail in the national assembly?
Spain’s socialist minority government was unable to secure the necessary parliamentary majority to pass the comprehensive legislative package during the vote.
How many housing units does Spain currently lack?
The country faces a shortage of approximately 700,000 homes.
What terms were offered to Maricarmen after her eviction?
Following widespread protests, the 87-year-old was offered an eight-year rental contract with a monthly cost of around 500 euro covering rent, electricity, and fees.
What restrictions were placed on investment companies?
Emergency decrees approved by the government sought to ban investment firms from purchasing residential properties until 2028 and restrict large-scale rent increases.