Thousands of people across the Canary Islands took to the streets on Saturday to protest against speculation, demand the right to housing, criticise political leaders, and support calls for a general strike.
The largest demonstrations occurred in the two capital cities. In Las Palmas, around 3,500 people gathered according to government sources, while organisers reported attendance of between 6,000 and 8,000. In Santa Cruz, police estimated about 2,000 participants, while organisers claimed it was around 10,000.
Protests were also held in Arrecife with about 100 attendees and in Puerto del Rosario, where around 70 turned out. In both Las Palmas and Santa Cruz, a strong police presence ensured the demonstrations remained peaceful, culminating in a sit-in outside the regional government’s office before participants returned to their camps.
Families, young adults, and children displayed banners and chanted slogans demanding housing be recognised as a right rather than a commodity. In Las Palmas, common chants included “Get rid of vultures”, “Being a landlord is not a job”, and “My neighbourhood is not your business, complicit government”.
Javier Marrero, spokesperson for the group Derecho al Techo, stated that the protest’s message was directed at the Canary Islands government, which he said bears “significant responsibility” in the housing crisis. He emphasised the need for the declaration of “tensioned areas” to reclaim many properties for residential use and to begin regulating rental prices.
Marrero expressed disappointment at the Congress’s rejection of the ‘Maricarmen decrees’, criticising politicians for focusing on material interests rather than the needs of people. He welcomed the eventual support from the Canary Coalition for one of the decrees, attributing it to “pressure from the streets”, as communities realise that housing issues are structural, not individual.
Calls for a general strike gained traction as the protests highlighted a growing awareness that the housing crisis stems from systemic issues rather than isolated incidents. Demonstrators expressed frustration with politicians, labelling the current administration as complicit in facilitating speculative practices.
David González, spokesperson for the Tenerife Tenants’ Union, remarked on the public’s growing awareness of the crisis, noting that many local residents had come to support those camping in Plaza de España with food and water.
González declared the protests a pivotal moment in their fight for tenants’ rights, voicing that the decision on whether to dissolve the camp would be challenging given increasing support. He affirmed their commitment to staying organised and focused on efforts to challenge the ruling authorities.
The possibility of a general strike is a growing consideration among protesters. “It’s a path we’re not dismissing,” González warned.
