On April 5, 2025, tenant unions across Spain organized a series of protests in 40 cities under the rallying cry, "Let's end the housing business." This nationwide demonstration aimed to address the escalating crisis of housing affordability that has increasingly become a pressing social issue for many Spaniards.
The demonstrations kicked off at noon in major cities like Madrid, Seville, and Malaga, with additional protests scheduled for later in the day in Barcelona and Valencia. Valeria Racu, a spokesperson for the Madrid Tenant Union, described the coordinated mobilization as a historic moment, emphasizing the need to dismantle a "parasitic system" that undermines the financial stability and future of millions of Spaniards.
Racu's impassioned address resonated with many, declaring, "It's time to stop leaving our neighborhoods and cities, enough with evictions, enough with walking away with our heads down." This sentiment echoed throughout the protests as participants voiced their frustrations over the rising costs of rent and the lack of sustainable housing solutions.
In Seville, José Enrique Alonso, a 35-year-old engineer, shared his struggles with the housing market, stating, "A 30-year mortgage is a burden." He lamented the rising prices driven by speculation and the influx of tourist rentals, which have pushed many young families to the outskirts of the city.
Abdessalam, a 51-year-old resident of Vitoria, highlighted the difficulties faced by immigrants in accessing housing, saying, "When landlords hear my name, they often refuse to rent to me." He attended the San Sebastián demonstration with his family, emphasizing the need for fair treatment in housing access.
In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Miguel Anir, a self-employed father of two, expressed his fears of eviction, stating, "I have to leave my home because my landlord wants to sell. I don’t believe it, but I have no choice." His story reflects the broader anxiety many feel in a market increasingly dominated by speculation.
The protests were not solely about individual grievances; they were a collective call for systemic change. Demonstrators demanded a reduction in rental prices, the creation of permanent rental contracts, and government action to reclaim vacant properties. They also called for an end to the purchase of apartments for speculation and the dismantling of eviction groups.
In Santiago de Compostela, about 1,500 people gathered to protest, citing a staggering 36.69% increase in rental prices since 2020. They argued that housing has become a primary source of profit for speculators, with many apartments now exceeding 1,000 euros per month.
Ane, a 23-year-old from Vitoria, shared her experience of living in a shared apartment, where she pays 250 euros monthly. She noted, "It's tough to find affordable housing, especially with my unstable job situation." Her story is emblematic of the challenges faced by young Spaniards trying to establish independence.
In Madrid, the march was marked by slogans such as "Madrid will be the tomb of rentism," with participants chanting against landlords and demanding urgent action. Many attendees were young people, but older generations also joined in solidarity, recognizing the broader implications of the housing crisis.
Marisa Plaza, a 70-year-old retiree from Móstoles, voiced her support for the youth, stating, "We cannot allow housing to become a business. The younger generation has it much harder than we did." Her comments reflect a growing awareness among older generations of the challenges faced by younger citizens.
In the Balearic Islands, the situation is particularly dire, with one in four homes sold last year purchased by foreign buyers, exacerbating the local housing crisis. Marc, a 32-year-old from Mallorca, lamented, "Housing has become a luxury that few can afford. I've had to move to the outskirts because I can't afford to live in my hometown anymore."
The protests also highlighted the impact of tourism on local housing markets. In cities like Barcelona, the influx of short-term rentals has driven up prices, leading to calls for stricter regulations on tourist accommodations. Activists argue that housing should serve the community, not just the interests of investors.
As the demonstrations unfolded, participants expressed a collective determination to fight for their rights. Valeria Racu emphasized the need for sustained action, stating, "Rent strikes have come to stay. We will not back down until we see real change." This commitment to ongoing activism reflects a broader movement that seeks to challenge the status quo and advocate for the right to affordable housing.
In conclusion, the protests on April 5 served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive housing reform in Spain. With rising rents and increasing speculation threatening the stability of countless families, the voices of those demanding change are louder than ever. The message is clear: the fight for housing rights is far from over.
