Madrid Regional Government Dismantles Tent City Overnight

The tent protests against the housing crisis, triggered by the forced eviction of an 87-year-old in late September 2026, lasted for 38 days before being abruptly dismantled in an instant.
A tent city had formed in the plaza due to the protests for over a month, and the Madrid Regional Government was determined to clear it out. (For reference, the political leanings of the Spanish central government and the Madrid Regional Government are polar opposites)
The Madrid City Council and local government have been strongly urging the Spanish central government to carry out an immediate removal, citing the long-term unauthorized occupation of a key downtown plaza, deteriorating hygiene, and the need to maintain public safety and order.
As the central government's approval ratings plummeted following a train accident in Spain, the Madrid authorities deployed large-scale police forces to conduct a surprise administrative enforcement action.
Following the orders from Madrid, 400 police officers, along with fire, rescue, and social welfare personnel, were deployed.
Police evicted 334 people from the tent city and arrested two individuals on charges of obstructing public duties, immediately mobilizing city cleaning crews and heavy equipment to conduct a wholesale removal of tents and accumulated items.