Fresh protests over housing flare in Spain after lawmakers reject relief measures
Summary
Tens of thousands of people protested in Madrid and other Spanish cities after lawmakers rejected government measures aimed at protecting tenants from eviction and high rents. The protests were sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old pensioner from her long-time home, highlighting the ongoing housing crisis in Spain.Key Facts
- The Spanish parliament narrowly rejected proposed tenant protection laws promoted by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government.
- The rejected measures included automatic renewal of rental contracts and limits on evictions for vulnerable tenants.
- The protests began after the forced eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman, from her Madrid flat.
- Eviction was ordered after an investment company bought the property and tried to raise her rent by 275%.
- Tens of thousands joined protests in over 50 cities to demand affordable housing.
- Sanchez’s minority government faces political challenges and questions about its ability to last until the 2027 elections.
- The opposition Popular Party leads in recent polls and called for early elections.
- Housing costs in Spain have risen sharply, with rents nearly doubling and home prices increasing by about 90% over the past decade.
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