Spanish Protests Against Tourist Rentals Turn Violent

Protests over Spain's housing crisis, fueled by a surge in tourist rentals and a lack of affordable housing, erupted into violence on Saturday. Demonstrators in Madrid and Valencia clashed with riot police, throwing fences and shouting insults as officers responded with batons, tear gas, and rubber bullets. No injuries were immediately reported.

Thousands took to the streets following the rejection of government housing measures by parliament on Friday. These measures, intended to address widespread anger over issues like the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her long-term home, included a proposed ban on evictions of vulnerable tenants, a two-year rent freeze extension, and tighter regulations for short-term rentals. The legislation failed to pass after lawmakers from the Catalan separatist party Junts joined the opposition, arguing the proposals could reduce housing supply.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez may call a snap election for November following the legislative defeat, according to Spanish media reports. His office declined to comment.

The protests were partly sparked by the eviction of María del Carmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman who had lived in her Madrid apartment for seven decades. Images of her being carried from her home on a stretcher galvanized public anger, leading to demonstrations across the country. Abascal has since reached an agreement to return to her apartment, though she remains hospitalized.

Demonstrators are demanding government action to protect tenants, blaming real estate speculators and platforms like Airbnb for rising rents. Protesters have been camped in Madrid's Puerta del Sol and Barcelona's Plaza Catalunya, vowing to remain until the government implements protective measures.

The housing crunch has been a simmering issue in Spain for years. The average rent has nearly doubled in the last decade, rising from 8.20 euros per square meter in 2016 to 15.10 euros this year, according to the real estate website Idealista. Spanish government data indicates that 26% of renters spend 40% of their income on rent and utilities, compared to the EU average of 18%. Spain also has a significantly lower percentage of government-owned rental properties than the EU average, with less than 2% of its housing stock being publicly owned compared to the EU average of 8%.