Spaniards hit the streets in mass protest against soaring rents
Several hundred thousand residents of Madrid and Barcelona took to the streets as Spaniards expressed strong opposition to high apartment rental prices, demanding swift action from the local government.
11:02 AM EDT, October 14, 2024
Demonstrations took place on Sunday, October 13. The largest was in Madrid, where organizers estimated 150,000 people marched through the city center. Among the protesters were representatives of the left-wing party Podemos and leaders of several trade unions. "We want affordable housing. Now!", "We fight for shelter!", "Everyone should have a home" were the slogans on the banners carried by the Spaniards.
Spaniards have said "enough"
A similar demonstration occurred in the center of Barcelona. Participants in this march highlighted the issue of mass tourism, claiming it contributes to the increase in rental prices. One slogan stood out among the chants: "Homes are for living, not for profit!".
A significant portion of the protesters, both in Madrid and Barcelona, were young people. They demanded the resignation of Spanish Minister of Housing and Urban Policy Isabel Rodriguez, accusing her of failing to take action to lower rental prices and being inactive regarding affordable housing programs.
Protesters emphasized that rental prices in Spain's largest cities are rising rapidly and are significantly higher than the financial means of average citizens, particularly young people.
Prices too high for Spaniards
In September, the average apartment rental price in Spain was about 992 euros (over 4,600 USD), a 9.3% increase compared to the previous year. The average rate in the Madrid metropolitan area was 1,602 euros (about 7,400 USD), and in Catalonia, it was 1,348 euros (about 6,200 USD). Property purchase prices are also increasing; over the past year, they have risen by 8.7%.
Additionally, Spaniards are increasingly frustrated with the rapidly rising cost of living, as reflected in mass protests across various cities.
