Tens of Thousands Protest High Rents in Barcelona Housing Crisis

Protesters demand a 50% rent reduction, greater tenant protections, and an end to speculative housing practices in Spain's second-largest city.

Demonstrations in Barcelona drew between 22,000 and 170,000 participants, according to police and organizers, highlighting widespread frustration over unaffordable housing.
Protesters called for rent reductions of 50%, indefinite lease terms, and the repurposing of tourist accommodations and empty properties for local residents.
The housing crisis is fueled by soaring rental prices, which have nearly doubled in the past decade, while wages have only increased by 17%.
Tourism and foreign investment in real estate, often linked to visa incentives, have been cited as key drivers of gentrification and rising rents in Barcelona.
Similar protests have occurred across Spain, reflecting a broader national housing emergency, with nearly 40% of renters spending over 40% of their income on housing costs.