Housing crisis protests in Spain: Tens of thousands of people were on the streets

Demonstrations were held in approximately 50 cities in Spain on Saturday against increasing housing prices, evictions and housing problems.

While tens of thousands of people took to the streets in the capital Madrid, the government announced that approximately 70 thousand people participated in the demonstration.

There was tension between the police and a far-right group trying to reach the demonstrators camped in Puerta del Sol Square in the center of Madrid to protest the housing crisis.

According to the government's statement, some people in the group gave Nazi salutes. Following police intervention, three people from the far-right group were detained.

Security forces used rubber bullets during the incidents.

THE RELEASE OF THE 87-YEAR-OLD WOMAN INCREASED THE REACTION

The evacuation of an 87-year-old woman from her home in Madrid played an important role in the growth of the protests.

Following the incident, some measures prepared to address the housing problem were rejected in parliament on Friday. The decision led to further reactions against the housing crisis.

Some of the demonstrators carried banners calling for a general strike.

Nando de Anguulo, 26, who participated in the protest, said that the current situation is unsustainable, arguing that political parties do not respond to the demands of the people.

GENERAL STRIKE CALL

Tenants' Union Spokesperson Valeria Racu also told reporters in Madrid that they would call for a general strike after negotiations with the unions.

A conflict broke out between demonstrators and police in the city of Valencia in the southeast of the country.

Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the protests.

Approximately 30 demonstrators entered the City of Arts and Sciences complex, one of the city's important cultural centers. Police then removed the demonstrators from the building.

It was reported that other demonstrations held in approximately 50 cities in Spain were largely peaceful.

EARLY ELECTION CLAIM

The Spanish press claimed that Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was considering the possibility of holding early elections in November after the regulations regarding the housing crisis were not passed by the parliament.

Reports stated that Sanchez may take into account the size of the protests over the weekend and the public reaction before making a decision.

Protests planned to be held in Barcelona and the nearby cities of Hospitalet de Llobregat were canceled due to heavy rain.