Mass protests in Madrid demand new housing decree to stop evictions and soaring rents
Tens of thousands marched in Madrid calling on Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to approve a housing decree aimed at preventing evictions and curbing rent hikes.
Large crowds assembled at Madrid’s Puerta del Sol for two days, chanting against another eviction of an elderly woman in a wheelchair after a 70-year tenancy. Organisers claim participation in the tens of thousands and demand that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez move a housing decree through the cabinet. The draft, nicknamed the “Maricarmen decree,” contains five measures: eviction protection, a ban on selling homes to investment funds, stabilization of rental contracts, limits on short-term rentals and VAT on tourist apartments.
Union figures such as Alberto Masías of the Carabanchel Housing Union and Alicia del Rio of the Madrid Tenants Union voiced support, while Sanchez seeks votes from coalition partners Sumar, Podemos and the Catalan Junts party. The protests reflect anger over rent levels now 40 % higher than in 2015, while wages have risen only about 20 %.
Why it matters
The protests highlight a growing housing crisis in Spain and pressure the government to enact tenant-protective legislation.
How this story developed
- Sep 22 Hundreds rally to stop eviction of 87-year-old tenant in Madrid
- Sep 23 The fourth eviction attempt was carried out by police on Wednesday morning.
- Sep 25 Maricarmen was hospitalized and declined the mayor’s emergency shelter offer, opting to remain with family in Segovia.
- Sep 27 Hundreds of activists erected a tent camp in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol following the eviction.
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