Tens of thousands of people took part in demonstrations across Spain on Saturday in protest against a lack of affordable housing.

Several tenants’ organizations and trade unions called for the demonstrations in around 40 cities, including Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Madrid, under the slogan: “Lets put an end to profiteering from homes.”

The organizers called for an end to property speculation, more social housing, restrictions on converting housing to holiday accommodation, rent reductions and expropriations.

According to media reports, 150,000 protesters turned out in the capital Madrid.

For years, too little housing has been built in Spain as rents have risen sharply.

The consequences of mass and luxury tourism have caused anger, especially in holiday centres like Mallorca, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga and Madrid.

While tourist numbers continue to break records in Spain, residents on low incomes are unable to afford rents.

According to the real estate agency Fotocasa, rents on the Balearic Islands, which include Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, have risen by 158% in the last 10 years.

Source| DPA International