‘Now is the moment’: housing activists at Madrid encampment pin wary hopes on Spain’s early election
Summary
Housing activists in Madrid have set up a large protest camp to demand action on Spain’s housing crisis. In response to ongoing protests and a recent eviction that caused public outrage, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced an early general election, originally scheduled for 2027.Key Facts
- Over 1,200 tents were set up in the Puerta del Sol square in Madrid by housing protesters.
- The protests followed the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who had lived in her home for more than 70 years.
- Rents in Spain have increased by 80% over the past decade, while overall housing costs have gone up by 63%.
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a snap election due to opposition parties blocking emergency housing laws.
- Polls suggest a likely rightwing coalition between the People’s Party and the far-right Vox party after the election.
- Activists plan to continue pressure, including proposing a general strike in November.
- The protests have brought national media attention to the housing crisis.
- Some left-wing activists hope early elections will bring more focus to housing and help keep the current left-wing coalition in power.
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