Spanish Police Clear Remaining Protesters from Madrid Housing Encampment

Spanish police cleared the remaining protesters and tents from Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square early on November 3, bringing a five-week housing protest encampment to an end. Around 334 people were removed during the operation, which began at approximately 3 a.m. and involved nearly 400 police officers, firefighters and social service workers. Two people were arrested for disobedience and resisting officers.

The protest began on September 26 following the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, who later died. The encampment became a symbol of Spain’s growing housing crisis, with demonstrators demanding action against soaring rents, housing shortages and evictions. Similar protests and camps also emerged in other Spanish cities and neighbouring Portugal. Protesters alleged that police used pepper spray and physical force during the clearance, leaving several people injured, while the government denied any violence or disturbances.

The main housing organisations had already announced the dissolution of their organising committees on October 30, saying their initial demands had been addressed through government housing measures. They now plan to focus on a nationwide general strike scheduled for November 11 to demand stronger housing rights and action on the cost-of-living crisis. The protests have also become a major political issue ahead of Spain’s November 29 snap general election.

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