Spanish police fire rubber bullets, arrest neo-Nazi extremists in massive housing crisis riots

Spanish police arrested three far-right activists and fired rubber bullets in Madrid after tens of thousands marched nationwide demanding action on the housing crisis. Far-right protesters, some performing Nazi salutes, tried to reach a camp in Puerta del Sol. The protests followed parliament's rejection of housing measures and the eviction of an 87-year-old woman.

Spanish police arrested three members of a far-right group and fired rubber bullets in Madrid on Saturday night after tens of thousands marched across the country demanding action on the housing crisis. Far-right activists, some performing Nazi salutes, tried to reach demonstrators camped in Puerta del Sol, a central square in the Spanish capital. The protests followed parliament's rejection on Friday of housing measures drawn up in response to the eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid. In Valencia, demonstrators clashed with police who fired rubber bullets and tear gas; about 30 protesters entered the City of Arts and Sciences before being ousted. Other demonstrations in 50 Spanish cities were peaceful. The Spanish government said about 70,000 protesters took part in the Madrid demonstration. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez may call a snap election for November after the legislation failed, Spanish media reported. A Tenants Union spokesperson said a general strike would be called after talks with labor unions. Protests in Barcelona and Hospitalet de Llobregat were called off due to heavy rain.