Tens of thousands of people marched across Spain on Saturday, intensifying protests over the country's housing crisis after parliament rejected emergency measures proposed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government.
The demonstrations followed public anger over the September eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal in Madrid, whose return to her apartment at a lower rent was later negotiated with the property owner.
The government introduced two decrees aimed at addressing tenant concerns and easing the mounting protests.
One included suspending evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, extending rental leases due to expire before 2028, raising taxes on tourist apartments and restricting residential purchases by investment funds.
A second proposed automatic renewal of rental contracts.
Lawmakers rejected the first measure by 178 votes to 172 and the second by 184 votes to 166.
The People's Party and Vox opposed both measures, while Together for Catalonia also signalled opposition before the vote, denying the minority coalition enough support.
The defeat increased speculation that Sánchez could call an early general election, though his office declined to comment on reports of a possible November vote.
The Spanish government estimated about 70,000 people joined the Madrid demonstration, while the city's Tenants' Union put attendance at 500,000.
Some protesters called for a general strike, and Tenants Union spokeswoman Valeria Racu said one would be called after discussions with labour unions.
Demonstrators have also camped for days in Madrid's Puerta del Sol.
In Valencia, clashes broke out near the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía, where a real estate summit was being held.
Police used rubber bullets and tear gas as some protesters removed barriers and threw objects at officers.
RTVE reported nine police officers were injured and five people were arrested.
About 30 protesters entered the City of Arts and Sciences before police removed them.
Demonstrations in dozens of other Spanish cities were peaceful.
Planned protests in Barcelona and nearby Hospitalet de Llobregat were cancelled because of heavy rain.