Housing Protests Sweep Barcelona and Madrid as Spanish Workers Strike Over Rising Rents
Workers and housing activists have staged major protests in Barcelona, Madrid and other Spanish cities over rising rents and property prices, calling on the government to introduce stronger measures to address the country’s growing housing crisis.
The protests took place on Wednesday, November 11, alongside a nationwide general strike that disrupted businesses, public transportation and other economic activities across Spain.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets demanding better wages, affordable housing and stronger protection for tenants. The strike was organised under the slogan, “Salaries. Housing. Prices.”
It was Spain’s first general strike in 14 years and the first largely driven by public frustration over housing affordability.
In Barcelona, housing activists estimated that about 400,000 people participated in the demonstrations, while city authorities put the figure at 55,000.
Madrid also witnessed a large turnout as protesters marched through the city despite heavy rainfall. Demonstrators called for government action to address rising housing costs and improve living conditions.
The growing anger follows a sharp increase in rental prices across Spain. Average rents have nearly doubled over the past decade, putting additional pressure on household incomes and making affordable accommodation increasingly difficult to secure.
The eviction of an 87-year-old woman, identified as Maricarmen, from her home in Madrid last month further intensified public anger. Her case became a symbol of the difficulties many Spaniards face in securing and maintaining housing.
Housing activists are demanding stronger tenant protections, including automatic lease renewals and measures to address property speculation. Labour unions are also calling for increased investment in public housing and improved minimum wage agreements.
The nationwide strike affected several sectors, including transportation, manufacturing, energy and education. Labour unions reported significant participation in industrial and transport activities, while some flights were cancelled and schools and universities closed.
Spain’s housing crisis has also become a major political issue ahead of the November 29 national election. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his left-wing coalition are seeking to make housing and social welfare central issues in the election campaign.
However, opposition parties have criticised the strike, arguing that it is politically motivated and intended to strengthen the government’s position ahead of the vote.
The demonstrations highlight growing concerns about housing affordability in Spain and the increasing pressure on governments to address rising rents, expand public housing and protect tenants.
