Madrid housing activists pin cautious hopes on Spain’s snap election

Housing activists are continuing their protest camp in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square. The demonstrations spread across Spain after 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal was evicted from the home where she had lived for more than seven decades.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called an early general election after rightwing parties blocked emergency legislation aimed at tackling the housing crisis. The vote was not otherwise required until August 2027.

The camp has more than 1,200 tents. Protesters have created makeshift streets, given them names and installed surveillance systems while keeping housing at the centre of media attention.

Rents have risen 80% in a decade

Rents in Spain have increased by 80% over 10 years, while housing costs have risen 63%, according to figures cited in the report. Protester Jorge Rubio said the monthly cost of rented rooms had climbed from €180 to €700 in six years.

Abascal’s eviction drew attention to competition for housing between local residents, tourist lets, investment funds and short-term rentals. The investment firm that bought her home said she could return without paying the previously reported 230% rent increase.

Campaigners plan pressure on parties

Members of the Madrid Tenants’ Union have pledged to maintain pressure and discussed plans for a general strike in November. They want leftwing parties allied with the Socialists to unite before the election and offer concrete measures.

Campaigners also see the election as a risk: polls indicate that a coalition between the People’s party and the far-right, anti-immigration Vox party is the most likely outcome. At the same time, anger over housing costs could give Sánchez an opportunity to keep his leftwing coalition in power.

Activists say supporters have brought water and food to the camp and want to turn public backing into organised political pressure. Spain’s constitution recognises the right to “decent and adequate housing”, they argue.