Tens of thousands of Spanish youth have taken to the streets in recent weeks, demanding urgent action on the country’s housing crisis. The protests, which have escalated into a nationwide strike, are part of a broader movement calling for higher wages, affordable housing and price controls.
The anger that fuels the demonstrations was sparked by the forced eviction of 87‑year‑old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid flat after her landlord raised the rent beyond her means. Abascal died in hospital the same day the owners agreed to let her return, a tragedy that has galvanized public opinion.
In response, the Spanish government introduced two emergency decrees aimed at protecting vulnerable renters, but both were rejected by right‑wing parties in parliament. The left‑wing coalition government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has announced a snap election for November 29, hoping to rally voters around the housing issue as the opposition People’s Party and far‑right Vox gain traction.
The Bank of Spain estimates a shortage of 750,000 homes, a figure that could rise to one million by next year. This shortage has left many young people, like 24‑year‑old data analyst Haris Javaid Sharif, struggling to find affordable accommodation.
Javaid, who lives with his parents in a 44‑square‑metre flat in Barcelona, earns a net salary of $1,900 per month. The family pays $745 in rent, of which he contributes half. He explained that after the pandemic they were evicted for five months’ arrears, and the landlord refused to negotiate when they received a €2,500 payment. “We lived in a two‑room place for 11 months,” he said. “I still live with my parents because housing is so expensive. I am joining the strike to press politicians to change the policy.”
Similarly, 32‑year‑old Bea Garcia de la Torre, who works for a Madrid foundation, shares a 70‑square‑metre flat with her brother. They pay $1,229 in rent while she earns $2,400 per month. She warned that the landlord is demanding they cover central heating costs and could raise the rent dramatically. “I will join the strike because it is a chance to change housing policy,” she said.
Across the country, protesters have called for a comprehensive review of rent controls, stronger tenant protections and a national plan to build new homes. The strike, which has seen thousands of workers walk out of their jobs, is a testament to the growing frustration among Spain’s younger generation over the affordability crisis.
Source: Al Jazeera
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Editorial note: This is an original news report prepared from the attributed source material with AI assistance. It is not a reproduction or translation of the original article.
