Madrid tenants' union to end Sol camp amid protester refusal

The Sindicato de Inquilinas de Madrid issued a statement that its organized presence at the Puerta del Sol encampment, which began last weekend after the eviction of a resident named Maricarmen, will be lifted on Saturday. The union framed the decision as a tactical retreat intended to mobilize tenants throughout Madrid’s districts, blocks and homes where rent increases and expulsions occur. It emphasized that ending the official camp does not signal the conclusion of the broader movement.

Despite this, many protesters who had earlier gathered at the national Congress returned to the central square after learning that the first royal decree was rejected, and they loudly affirmed they will remain. The standoff highlights ongoing tensions over housing policy and the authorities’ response to the protests.