Protests erupt in Barcelona: Residents demand housing over tourism

Nearly three thousand people protested in Barcelona against mass tourism. Spaniards are demanding affordable housing in the Catalan capital and blame mass tourism for the lack of it and the high prices of local properties. They say no to the influx of visitors from around the world, which affects the daily life of residents.

Civic organizations organized the street protests in the streets of Barcelona that took place on Saturday, July 6. Demonstrators demanded lower housing prices in downtown Barcelona and greater availability for ordinary citizens.

This was evident from the slogans on banners during the protest. "Return the city to its residents!", "End the chaos!" and "Dignified life in Barcelona!" were just some of them.

The demonstration is a protest against local authorities, whom Barcelona residents blame for the significant increase in tourism. This surge has its downsides.

The protesters' demands primarily include limiting the issuance of permits for new hotels and private lodgings and reducing the number of cruise ships docking in the Catalan capital.

During the protest, there were also a few incidents. A group of protesters passing through the bustling city used water pistols, spraying tourists sitting in restaurant gardens.

In 2023 alone, the city of 1.6 million people welcomed over 12 million tourists. Demonstrators emphasize that while this level of vacationers boosts the country's economy, it leads to social conflicts. In recent weeks, similar protests have been organized in Malaga, Cadiz, and Seville.