Spain Orders Airbnb to Remove 66,000 Listings Amid Housing Crisis
Spain's consumer rights ministry has mandated Airbnb to block over 65,000 holiday listings in response to a severe housing crisis.
Rising Rental Costs Fuel Protests
The move comes as rental costs surge, sparking protests in cities like Barcelona and Madrid. These rising costs are often attributed to the boom in short-term holiday rentals.
Government Action and Airbnb's Response
The government contends that many listings lack proper licenses and clear ownership. Consumer Minister Pablo Bustinduy stated the need to protect housing rights.
Airbnb plans to appeal, arguing the ministry lacks authority and that the methodology used was indiscriminate.
Previous Government Actions
This action follows previous government announcements to shut down non-compliant short-term rentals. The Madrid high court has already supported the removal of 5,800 listings.
Impact on Homelessness
Concurrently, a growing number of homeless individuals are reportedly sleeping in airports, highlighting the severity of the housing situation.
