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Spain: Millions of people have joined the country’s first general strike in 14 years, as anger over rising housing costs renews pressure on the short-term rental sector.
The nationwide action on 11 November was supported by tenants’ associations and Spain’s largest trade unions. Organisers estimated that more than three million people participated, although turnout varied across the country.
The following day, Spain’s parliament approved a wider housing package that includes a ten per cent tax on apartments rented to tourists, limits on some rent increases and extended protection for vulnerable tenants facing eviction.
Housing campaigners have called for stronger renter protections, tighter controls on property speculation and a crackdown on homes used as tourist accommodation.
Ahead of the strike, Granada’s housing union claimed responsibility for damaging approximately 300 lockboxes used to access tourist rentals. The action focused on the Albaicín, Realejo and city centre districts, where the union said holiday rentals and housing costs were most concentrated.
Local vacation rental association Avitar Granada condemned the damage while recognising the right to campaign for affordable housing.
The measures could still be reversed following Spain’s general election on 29 November, with the opposition People’s Party pledging to repeal the package if it enters government.
Highlights:
- An estimated three million people gathered in Spain to protest for stronger renter protections, tighter controls on property speculation and a crackdown on properties being used for tourist accommodation on 11 November.
- The protest was supported by tenants’ associations and Spanish trade unions. It was the country’s first general strike in 14 years.
- The Spanish parliament has responded to the events by approving a housing package that taxes apartment operators renting out to tourists by ten per cent. It has also extended protection for vulnerable renters.
- The measures could still be reversed following Spain’s general election on 29 November.
