Rattling keys and blowing whistles, crowds of demonstrators flooded the streets of the Spanish capital to call for greater protection for renters. The turnout grew to tens of thousands of people, with some protesters pitching tents outside the regional government offices to demand the resignation of officials or the return of a home to its former tenant.

The unrest follows the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, 87, who was carried out of her home on a stretcher after living there for 71 years. Developer Urbagestión raised her monthly rent from €500 to between €1,650 and €2,650, a sum exceeding her €1,350 pension. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds, despite requests from the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for authorities to halt the eviction and provide housing.