Thousands of Zurich residents took to the streets on Saturday to protest skyrocketing rents and a housing shortage.

The demonstration, which began at Rathausbrücke and ended at Helvetiaplatz, saw around 6,000 to 8,000 participants.

Protesters criticized institutional landlords and the city’s housing policies, calling for affordable housing for all.

Some demonstrators engaged in minor vandalism, including spray-painting and breaking a window at Google’s office.

The event highlighted long-standing frustrations, with speakers urging collective action and questioning the very concept of paying rent.

Despite some disruptions to traffic and public transport, the protest remained largely peaceful, ending with speeches and music.