Madrid’s regional government’s 48-hour deadline is nearing expiry as it asks a judge to remove the housing camp from Puerta del Sol. Isabel Díaz Ayuso is challenging the Government delegate’s refusal to order its removal, while police say they will stay out unless public-order problems develop.
The 48-hour deadline imposed by Madrid’s regional government is nearing its end. Isabel Díaz Ayuso has announced court action over the housing protest camp in Puerta del Sol, accusing the Government delegate of refusing to clear the site.
The Community of Madrid will file a contentious-administrative appeal against what it calls the delegate’s inaction. It will also request urgent interim measures, which would let a judge consider removing the camp before deciding the basic case.
The protest began on Saturday, 27 September 2026, over housing demands and pressure on the authorities to adopt a housing decree. EFE reported that participants had remained camped in central Madrid for several days.
The dispute is now moving to court.
The regional government says the protest exceeds the constitutional and legal limits of the right of assembly. It says no prior notification was submitted and calls the camp permanent and indefinite. Officials also cite risks to people and property from a disturbance of public order, and describe the camp as an illegal occupation of public space.
Officials in the Community say the installation disrupts the normal operation of the Real Casa de Correos, the regional government’s headquarters. They also argue that it damages Madrid’s image as a quality destination and has halted commercial activity in the centre of the capital.
Those claims appeared in the requirement sent to the Delegation of the Government on Tuesday. Madrid also cited the building’s protected status as an Asset of Cultural Interest.
The National Police is not planning to enter Puerta del Sol to forcibly clear the protesters at this stage. El País and RTVE report that officers would consider intervening if public-order violations occurred. The Delegation of the Government says the right of assembly must be respected.
The Delegation has confirmed receipt of requests from the Community of Madrid and the city council. It has not announced an eviction, saying instead that the proper procedures are under way.
The delegation says the camp is being handled in full respect of the law. It has also stressed its duty to protect public safety and the Real Casa de Correos.
Madrid wants police action against the camp. The Government delegate has so far defended the legality of the process and the right of assembly. The court filing seeks a ruling on who must decide the camp’s fate.
The camp could grow. Several protesters told EFE that they are considering extending it into nearby Arenal and Mayor streets if more tents arrive. That would put further pressure on the public space Madrid says is already affecting government operations and businesses.
The housing crisis is being fought on two fronts: the protest in Puerta del Sol and the institutional dispute over who controls the next step.
The conflict follows earlier clashes over housing policy, including the concerns described in an earlier housing dispute.
The Community has asked for the strongest interim judicial measures available in this case. The Delegation says its actions comply with the law.
Until a court rules, the camp remains at the centre of the dispute. Protesters’ proposed move towards Arenal and Mayor streets could widen the conflict. The city government has also called for normality to return to the square, adding further political pressure.
