In Spain, tens of thousands have protested against housing speculation, demanding affordable homes. Up to 150,000 participants marched in Madrid alone, with demonstrations in 40 cities. The Madrid tenants' union emphasized that 1.4 million households spend over 30% of their income on housing. Valeria Racu called for rent strikes as a response to the surge in rental costs driven by illegal tourist apartments and property speculation. With average rents skyrocketing, particularly in tourist-heavy regions like the Balearics, housing has emerged as Spain's most pressing social issue.
Organizers claim that up to 150,000 joined the protest in Madrid while smaller demonstrations were held in about 40 cities across the country.
Valeria Racu, a spokesperson for the Madrid tenants' union, called for rent strikes such as those mounted recently in some Catalan coastal towns.
Housing has become the number one social issue in Spain as a combination of property speculation and tourist apartments have driven the cost of rented housing beyond the reach of all but the most wealthy.
In the Balearics the average rent for a small apartment has risen by 40% in five years to about 1,400, more than the average monthly salary of those working in the hospitality sector.
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