In Madrid, a significant protest drew 22,000 participants demanding regulation of tourist apartments and calling for a rent strike.

The demonstration, organized by tenant unions, highlighted the ongoing housing crisis exacerbated by rising rental prices.

Activists shared personal stories of eviction threats and rent hikes, underscoring the urgent need for reform.

The tenant unions, which emerged in 2017, aim to empower renters against landlord abuses and have been pivotal in bringing housing issues to the public agenda.

Despite skepticism about political action, the unions hope the protest will spark a coordinated rent strike, reminiscent of historical movements in Spain.