In a firm response to growing concerns over housing affordability, the Spanish government has taken decisive action against Airbnb, ordering the removal of nearly 66,000 short-term rental listings that were found to be in violation of local regulations. The move, announced last month, has drawn attention both within Spain and internationally, prompting discussion about the role of digital platforms in national housing markets.

Consumer Rights Minister Pablo Bustinduy, speaking to The Associated Press on Tuesday, said the crackdown was meant to send a clear message: Spain’s economy and housing sector cannot operate as a “free for all.”

The delisted properties, according to authorities, either lacked license numbers, included incorrect ones, or failed to identify the apartment owner, requirements that have been put in place to ensure regulatory compliance. Airbnb has appealed the decision and stated that listings will remain on the platform while the legal process unfolds.

Spain, which welcomed a record 94 million international visitors last year, remains one of the most visited countries in the world. However, the surge in tourism has intersected with an intensifying housing crisis, particularly in urban centers like Madrid and Barcelona, where locals are struggling with rising rents and limited availability.

“Obviously there is a correlation between these two facts,” said Bustinduy, referring to the expansion of short-term rentals and the rise in housing costs. “It’s not a linear relation, it’s not the only factor affecting it, there are many others, but it is obviously one of the elements that is contributing.”

A recent analysis from the Bank of Spain pointed to a shortfall of 450,000 homes across the country. In popular vacation destinations such as the Balearic and Canary Islands, the report noted that half of the available housing stock is either used for tourism or owned by nonresidents.

“Tourism is for sure a vital part of the Spanish economy. It’s a strategic and very important sector. But as in every other economic activity, it must be conducted in a sustainable way,” Bustinduy said. “It cannot jeopardize the constitutional rights of the Spanish people. Their right to housing, but also their right to well-being.”

Mounting frustration has led to large-scale demonstrations across Spain, with tens of thousands taking to the streets demanding more robust action. At a recent protest in Madrid, banners such as “Get Airbnb out of our neighborhoods” reflected public sentiment about the impact of short-term rentals on communities.

“A balance must be found between the constitutional rights of the Spanish people and economic activities in general,” Bustinduy added.

Regional authorities are also taking steps. In a major announcement last year, officials in Barcelona unveiled a plan to eliminate all 10,000 licensed short-term rentals in the city by 2028. The policy is aimed at redirecting housing stock back to full-time residents.

Airbnb, for its part, has maintained that it acts as a platform connecting hosts and guests, and does not hold direct oversight responsibilities. The company said it does require hosts to demonstrate compliance with local laws.

Bustinduy argued that Spain’s enforcement efforts are part of a broader effort to ensure accountability from global tech companies.

“There is a battle going on about accountability and about responsibility,” he said. “The digital nature of these extraordinarily powerful multinational corporations must not be an excuse to fail to comply with democratically established regulations.”

A member of the left-wing Sumar party, Bustinduy dismissed claims that the government’s position could hurt tourism.

“It will encourage longer stays, it will encourage responsible tourism and it will preserve everything that we have in this wonderful country which is the reason why so many people want to come here,” he said.

He also addressed the issue of budget airlines and consumer protection. Spain has been critical of low-cost carriers charging for hand baggage, and last year fined five airlines, including Ryanair and easyJet, a combined $179 million for such fees.

“The principle behind these actions is always the same: preserving consumer rights,” said Bustinduy. “Powerful corporations, no matter how large, have to adapt their business models to existing regulations.”