Violent Clashes Erupt at Spain Housing Protests as Election Speculation Mounts

Mass demonstrations over soaring rents turned violent in Madrid and Valencia amid outrage over an elderly woman's eviction and talk of snap elections.

Mass protests across Spain over housing shortages and skyrocketing rents have escalated into violent clashes in Madrid, Valencia, and other cities, news outlet G4Media and newspaper National Post reported. According to the reports, tens of thousands of demonstrators returned to the streets, and in Valencia a group of protesters breached a building.

Public anger flared over the eviction of an 87-year-old disabled pensioner after her rent was increased by 275 percent. Against the backdrop of escalating unrest in the streets and parliament's rejection of tenant-protection legislation, speculation has intensified over the prospect of snap general elections. Further details regarding casualties or arrests have not yet been released.