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rotesters gathered in Barcelona on Wednesday, with around 100 people demonstrating against the real estate fair "The District". The police clashed with the crowd as they attempted to reach the fairgrounds, but eventually made it inside. Housing activists, environmental groups and unions joined forces to voice their concerns about soaring housing costs. Over the past decade, rents have risen by 68% and house prices by 38%, making it difficult for locals to afford homes.

    The protesters' anger was fueled by the strain tourism has put on the housing market. In recent summers, activists targeted tourists with water pistols and signs reading "Tourists, go home". Economists argue that short-term rentals have contributed to this problem, driving up prices and reducing available housing stock. The city council's plan to revoke 10,000 tourist flat licences within five years aims to address the issue, prioritizing residential use over tourism in a city struggling with a severe national housing crisis.