Spain unveils renter protection plan as housing protests grip Madrid

Spain's coalition government has agreed in cabinet on a package of measures to protect renters, as demonstrators gathered in a central Madrid square demanding action on the country's housing crisis.

The plan, announced after the cabinet meeting, centres on preventing evictions and curbing speculative purchases of residential property. Housing Minister Isabel Rodriguez said the government would extend the validity of the existing social shield until December 31, 2030, and strengthen the protection mechanisms available to public administrations.

Speaking at a press conference, Rodriguez said the aim was to ensure that a case like that of Mari Carmen is not repeated in Spain. She said Spanish society cannot allow such a situation and described the demand as one that all political groups represented in the Congress of Deputies should embrace.

Rodriguez also said the government would move against speculative buying. She said companies involved in such purchases would be identified and barred from continuing to trade in housing, which she described as an essential and social commodity. The measures are intended to halt purchases by vulture funds, she added.

The minister said the bill would be sent to parliament for approval as soon as possible, with an extraordinary session expected next Friday.

The protests in Madrid began after the eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal, who was carried out of her apartment on a stretcher. Since Saturday, the number of tents in the square has grown, and similar demonstrations have been held in other cities.

Protesters are calling for stronger tenant protections and an end to evictions carried out without alternative housing being offered. Rising costs and a shortage of homes have priced many Spaniards out of the market. The government is expected to present its decree soon.