Thousands protest across the Canary Islands over high rents and low wages

Thousands of people took to the streets across the Canary Islands yesterday, Wednesday 11th November, demanding affordable housing and wages that keep pace with the cost of living.

The demonstrations formed part of the nationwide general strike, with protesters calling for action on rising rents and the shortage of homes available to residents.

In Tenerife, more than 10,000 people joined the march in Santa Cruz according to the Government Delegation, while organisers put the figure at around 40,000. Protesters carried banners and raised their keys as a symbol of the housing crisis.

In Gran Canaria, around 3,000 people had joined the start of the march from Santa Catalina in Las Palmas, according to police.

In Lanzarote, demonstrators marched through Arrecife, demanding more action from local and regional authorities. Organisers estimated that more than 5,000 attended, while police estimates reported by different sources ranged from 1,500 to 2,300.

In Fuerteventura, around 300 people marched through Puerto del Rosario, calling for rents that residents can afford.

Storm Charles affected some of the planned events. The demonstrations in La Palma and La Gomera were suspended because of the weather and the need to keep emergency services available.