Protests Erupt in Spain Over Housing Crisis

On April 5th, mass protests erupted across Spain, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets in over 40 cities to demand solutions to the worsening housing crisis, exacerbated by high rents and a booming tourism sector. Demonstrators, organized by housing activists and backed by labor unions, decried the lack of affordable housing, with rents doubling and house prices rising by 44% over the last decade, far outpacing salary growth. Protesters accused the government of prioritizing tourism and real estate speculation over citizens' housing needs, with calls to reduce rental prices and halt evictions. The protests highlight Spain's struggle with limited public housing, which makes up less than 2% of the market, compared to higher percentages in other European countries like the UK and Netherlands. The situation is further complicated by foreign investors buying properties for short-term tourist rentals, contributing to the housing deficit. These protests mark the largest coordinated effort for housing rights in Spain in recent memory.