Tens of thousands of people protested across Spain on October 3 over the housing crisis. About 70,000 marched in Madrid, according to the government. The tenants’ union put the number at 500,000. Protests took place in more than 50 cities.

The marches followed parliament’s rejection of two emergency housing decrees on October 2. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s minority government proposed them. The decrees included a ban on evicting vulnerable tenants until 2030, a rent freeze, and tighter rules for short-term rentals.

The Catalan party Junts voted with the opposition Popular Party and Vox. Junts argued the measures would reduce available homes. The government holds only 147 of 350 seats.

The protests began after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen from her Madrid home. She can now return after a deal with the property company. In Valencia, police fired rubber bullets and tear gas. Organisers are in talks with unions about a general strike.