The Confederación de Sindicatos de Inquilinas has announced demonstrations in more than 50 cities across the country for this Saturday and has also named a huelga general as a possible next step. The call comes on the day the Congreso de los Diputados was due to vote on two government decrees on housing policy, with parts of the opposition indicating they would reject them. According to the association, rallies are also planned for Sunday and Monday.
In a statement, the Confederación de Sindicatos de Inquilinas accuses parliament of being “deaf” to the demands of the people on the streets and promises political pressure if the housing decrees fail. The organisation’s aims include stronger tenant protection, reliable contract extensions, better protection against evictions and tougher measures against speculation.
The main demonstration in Madrid is scheduled for Saturday at 12 noon. According to the association, four marches will converge on the rally: from Glorieta de Emilio Castelar, Atocha, Hospital de la Princesa and Plaza de España. In Barcelona a rally is planned at the Plaça d'Espanya at 18:00; in Valencia at Porta de la Mar at 11:00; in Zaragoza at Plaza de Santo Domingo at 18:00. Actions are also planned in Málaga on Saturday evening. In the days beforehand, groups had already gathered at the Puerta del Sol .
The two Reales Decretos due to be put to a vote concern, among other things, rental law provisions and protection for particularly vulnerable households. If Congress does not approve the proposals, they would lapse; the government could, however, pursue new decrees or an accelerated legislative process. Government and opposition representatives have recently signalled differing conditions for possible amendments.
It is unclear how far-reaching the mobilisation will be. Several city- and region-specific housing movement coalitions have expressed support. According to media reports, major trade unions are considering possible forms of cooperation, but have not yet committed to strike action. Whether the protest affects the formation of a parliamentary majority depends on short-term negotiations. What is clear is that the tenants’ association is seeking to increase public pressure through coordinated actions this weekend — while keeping the option of escalation open with its announcement of a huelga general.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).