Tens of thousands protest in Spain over housing crisis
Summary
On October 3, 2026, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Madrid and other cities across Spain to demand urgent action to address the country's ongoing housing crisis, which intensified after government legislation aimed at curbing evictions was rejected by opposition lawmakers. The protests, which drew about 70,000 participants in Madrid alone, were spurred by the recent eviction of an elderly woman, prompting demonstrators to call for a general strike and further political mobilization. Amid this unrest, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is reportedly contemplating a snap election as he monitors the public's response to the demonstrations following the legislative defeat. In Valencia, tensions flared as some protesters clashed with police, reflecting the rising frustration over the housing situation.