TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TAKE TO THE STREETS OF MADRID AND OTHER CITIES

MADRID, OCTOBER 3 /SRNA/ - Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Madrid and other Spanish cities, calling for action to address the growing housing crisis after the opposition rejected government measures.

Some demonstrators carried signs calling for a general strike after parliament yesterday rejected measures to address the housing crisis, following protests sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid and other housing issues.

Spanish media reported that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez could call an early election in November after the legislation failed to pass.

In the southeastern city of Valencia, demonstrators clashed with police today, who fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the protests.

Around 30 demonstrators managed to enter the City of Arts and Sciences, a major cultural complex in the city, before police removed them.

The other demonstrations in 50 Spanish cities were peaceful.

The Spanish Government said today that around 70,000 people took part in the demonstration in Madrid.

Mass protests over the housing crisis began in Madrid last week after an 87-year-old woman was evicted from the rented apartment where she had lived for more than 70 years.

In response, the government adopted two decrees containing measures to protect tenants, but parliament rejected them.