Spain’s Housing Uprising Wins New Protections—but Not the Lease Reform Activists Wanted

Spain’s Housing Uprising Wins New Protections—but Not the Lease Reform Activists Wanted
Spain’s housing crisis erupted into the country’s first general strike in 14 years, as unions and tenants’ groups protested soaring rents, evictions and the growing use of homes for tourism and speculation. The strike drew tens of thousands into the streets despite heavy rain, with particularly strong participation reported in Catalonia and Andalusia. Organizers said support reached 90% in the automobile and port sectors and 82% among waste-collection workers, though participation varied across the country.

The protests were largely peaceful but included clashes and disruption. Police recorded 919 incidents and more than 60 arrests nationwide, while vandalism, fires and confrontations with officers were reported in Madrid and Barcelona. Regional officials condemned the violence, saying it did not represent the demonstrators who had protested peacefully.

On the following day, Spain’s caretaker lower house approved a housing package by 35 votes to 34. The measures extend eviction protection until 2030 for financially or socially vulnerable tenants, until alternative accommodation is provided. They also restrict purchases of properties below 70% of their assessed value, freeze some rents above the state reference index and introduce a 10% tax on tourist rentals. State-backed guarantees and tax incentives for housing were also included.

Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez described the vote as proof that “the right to housing won in the streets and workplaces,” while linking it to the election scheduled for November 29. The conservative People’s Party, however, has promised to repeal the measures if it returns to power, pledging instead to build one million homes while cutting taxes and easing development rules.

A separate proposal for automatic lease renewals, with landlords required to pay compensation if they ended contracts, was rejected 35-34. Critics argued it could push owners out of the rental market and reduce supply. The vote leaves protesters with a partial victory—and Spain’s housing policy at the center of the election campaign.