Spain braced for protests after housing measures defeated
Mass protests have erupted across Spain following the parliamentary rejection of rent relief measures. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is facing political instability, with potential snap elections on the horizon as public anger over housing costs intensifies.
Why it matters
The housing crisis is a major driver of social unrest in Europe, threatening the stability of minority governments.
Tens of thousands of protesters have marched in Madrid and other cities in Spain to demand affordable housing, a day after MPs rejected relief measures for tenants.
Some demonstrators waved posters calling for a general strike after the measures drawn up to address mass anger over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid, and other housing issues, were rejected in parliament yesterday.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez might call a snap election for November after the legislation failed to pass, Spanish media reported yesterday, and would be watching the strength of Saturday's protests before making a decision. Mr Sanchez's office refused to comment on the reports.
In the southeastern city of Valencia, demonstrators clashed with police, who fired rubber bullets and tear gas to break up protests.
Also covering this story
7 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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