Spain's Housing Crisis Ignites Nationwide Protests: 'I Pay $500 for 5 Square Metres'

Tens of thousands of young people have taken to the streets across Spain in recent weeks, protesting the nation's severe housing crisis. On Wednesday, many participated in a nationwide strike, responding to calls from Spain's largest unions under the banner "Salarios, vivienda y precios," which translates to "wages, housing, and prices." The public's anger intensified last month following the forced eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid apartment, where she had resided for seven decades. Her corporate landlord had significantly increased the rent beyond her financial capacity. Tragically, she passed away in the hospital the same day the property owners agreed to let her return home, amidst widespread public outcry.

In an effort to protect vulnerable renters, the government introduced two emergency decrees to parliament, but these were ultimately defeated by right-wing parties. Spain's left-wing coalition government subsequently called for a snap election on November 29, aiming to leverage the public's frustration over the housing crisis to gain voter support. This move comes as Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had been trailing in the polls against the conservative People's Party and the far-right Vox party. The Bank of Spain has indicated a shortage of 750,000 homes, a figure projected to climb to 1 million by next year.

Al Jazeera spoke with several protesters about their grievances and demands:

'I still live with my parents as housing is so expensive'

Haris Javaid Sharif, a 24-year-old data analyst residing in Barcelona, lives with his parents, brother, and sister in a 44-square-meter (474-square-foot) apartment. Earning $1,900 net per month, he contributes half of the $745 monthly rent for the family's flat. He remains with his parents due to the prohibitive average rental prices for a three-bedroom apartment in Barcelona, which range from $954 to $1,684.

"After the pandemic, we were evicted from our flat because we owed five months rent. My father and I could not work because of the pandemic. When we got the 2,500 euros ($2,800), the owner did not want to negotiate and we lost our home. We went 11 months without work and we lived in two-room accommodation. I thought it only happens to vulnerable people, but it can happen to anyone. I still live with my parents as housing is so expensive. I am joining the strike to try to press these politicians. The housing problems for youngsters is the biggest problem. I speak to people who don’t see themselves buying a house in 10 years’ time."

'We are worried our landlord might kick us out'

Bea Garcia de la Torre, 32, who works for a foundation in Madrid, shares a 70-square-meter (753-square-foot) apartment with her brother. They pay $1,229 per month in rent, with her earning $2,400 per month. "I am not in the worst position. There are some people who have to pay half their monthly wages in rent. My brother and I share the rent, but the landlord is trying to get us to pay for the central heating, which is something which should be paid for by the community. We are also worried that he might put up the rent to an astronomical amount or kick us out. I will join this general strike because it is a good chance to change the housing policy in this country, just like we did with a similar action and won the right to an eight-hour day."

'The landlord could push up the rent or just get rid of us'

Iratxe Gonzalez, 27, a social worker, shares a 45-square-meter (484-square-foot) flat in Madrid with three other people. She earns $1,200 per month, paying $400 in rent. "I needed to leave my parents’ home, but the flat is very small, and we only have a short-term contract of one year. It is not very secure. The landlord could push up the rent or just get rid of us. I feel this is an issue which is important for every young person in Spain right now."

'The average for leaving home in Spain is 30 years old'

Ignacio Redrado, a 32-year-old teacher, could only afford to leave his parents' home at the age of 26. He earns $2,245 and pays $337 per month in rent for a cramped 60-square-meter (646-square-foot) flat in Madrid, which he shares with four others. The total rent for the flat is $1,067 per month. Madrid experiences the highest rental prices in Spain, with an average flat for four people costing between $2,500 and $6,737.

"The average for leaving home in Spain is 30 years old. We have called a general strike because we cannot take any more. We must act. It is not about this government. The power should be with the people. We must solve the problem of housing. We want indefinite rental contracts and more social housing."

'My bedroom measures only two metres by 2.6 metres'

Arturo Leon, 24, works with an NGO and aspires to pursue a doctorate in housing justice. He shares a small flat in Barcelona with four other individuals, paying $506 per month in rent. "We do not have a contract, and there are lots of things in the flat which are broken, but the landlord refuses to fix. My bedroom measures only two metres by 2.6 metres (6.6 feet by 8.5 feet). But despite this, the landlord is threatening to put up the rent. This is a perfect example of why I will be joining the general strike."