Thousands protest in Barcelona demanding a robust housing decree during Sánchez's visit
Around the Palau de Congressos, thousands gathered to press the government for strong measures to end the housing crisis as President Pedro Sánchez arrived in the city.
On Monday afternoon, a large crowd converged in front of Barcelona’s Palau de Congressos, using the occasion of President Pedro Sánchez’s visit to demand decisive housing legislation. Demonstrators, many arriving from surrounding neighborhoods, sang and called for a general strike and an end to property speculation, while the Mossos d'Esquadra secured the nearby Premis Vanguardia event. Tenant union representatives, including the Sindicat de Llogateres, the PAH, the Sindicat d’Habitatge Socialista and COSHAC, pressed for the “decreto Maricarmen” to be adopted at the upcoming cabinet meeting.
They warned that proposed measures might be vague and aimed at appeasing both Podemos and Junts, and called for actions such as halting evictions of tenants held by hedge-fund owners and restricting speculative purchases. The protest echoed a similar demonstration in Madrid triggered by the eviction of Maricarmen, highlighting broader concerns over housing insecurity across Spain.
Why it matters
The protests highlight growing public pressure on Spain's government to enact effective housing reforms amid a widening eviction crisis.
How the sides frame it
HIGH AGREEMENTBoth camps report a protest demanding a new housing decree during Sánchez's visit, but left-leaning coverage stresses that the proposed measures are vague and aimed at appeasing parties while calling for an end to speculation and hedge-fund evictions, whereas centrist coverage highlights the decree as “ambitious” and focuses on the police security presence.
LEFT
The protest is framed as a push for a robust, decisive housing law, warning that current proposals are vague and politically appeasing.
CENTER
The protest is framed as a call for an “ambitious” housing decree to solve the housing crisis, noting police security around the event.
The left emphasises
- decisive housing legislation
- end to property speculation
- halt evictions of tenants held by hedge-fund owners
How this story developed
- Sep 22 Hundreds rally to stop eviction of 87-year-old tenant in Madrid
- Sep 23 The government is accelerating a stalled housing decree following the forceful eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen, aiming to secure parliamentary support.
- 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.
- Sep 28 The government set a Tuesday deadline to present the housing decree.
- Sep 28 Council of Ministers set to approve a revised housing decree that omits the land‑law reform.
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