Tens of thousands of protesters marched through Madrid on Sunday to demand rent regulation and denounce abuses by landlords and speculators.
The demonstration, called by the Sindicato de Inquilinas under the slogan “La vivienda nos cuesta la vida”, started from Atocha station toward the Sevilla area. Organizers estimated attendance between 80,000 and 100,000 people, while the Government Delegation put participation at 23,000.
Protesters demanded indefinite rental contracts, a 50% reduction in rental prices, and a minimum wage and pensions of 1,500 euros. According to the union, rents in Madrid have risen more than 50% in the last five years and many families spend over 70% of their income on rent.
Spokesperson Alicia del Río urged “disobedience” as a legitimate tool against what she called “the dictatorship of rentism.” The march included union leaders such as Unai Sordo and Pepe Álvarez, as well as Irene Montero and representatives from Comisiones Obreras and UGT.
