Organisers say 150,000 joined protest in Madrid urging the government to ‘end the housing racket’ and to demand access to affordable housing

In a significant show of public discontent, hundreds of thousands of Spaniards marched in more than 40 cities on Saturday, calling for urgent government action to address soaring rents and the dire shortage of affordable housing. The protests, organized by tenants’ rights groups and supported by labor unions across the country, highlighted a growing frustration with the increasing commodification of housing amid a booming tourism sector. With average rents in Spain having doubled and house prices soaring by over 44% in the past decade, many residents are being left behind as their local economies flourish. Protesters in Madrid reported approximately 150,000 participants, while Barcelona claimed an additional 100,000, bringing attention to the crisis that has made housing the primary concern for many Spanish citizens. Activists chanted slogans like 'Housing should be a right, not a commodity for speculation,' illuminating the stark reality that many Spanish families face: eviction, dislocation, and exorbitant living conditions fueled by property speculation. Local resident Margarita Aizpuru echoed the sentiments of many, stating that nearly 100 families in her building were told their leases wouldn't be renewed, pushing them out in favor of lucrative tourist accommodations. With Spain's economic growth and the paradox of a flourishing tourism sector juxtaposed against a lack of affordable housing, the current situation raises pressing questions about the balance between economic development and the rights of local residents. The government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, faces mounting pressure to implement solutions, including the expansion of public housing and the regulation of the rental market. However, as protests continue, the effectiveness of such measures remains to be seen, and the frustration among tenants might escalate further if their concerns are not adequately addressed.