Spain has initiated an investigation into Airbnb for not removing thousands of rental listings, which are accused of exacerbating housing shortages and inflating real estate prices. The country’s Consumer Rights Ministry is conducting the probe as part of a broader effort to regulate tourism rentals, following complaints from residents. Airbnb faces potential fines and plans to appeal, arguing that they comply with local regulations. The probe aligns with a recent total ban on tourist rentals in Barcelona by Mayor Jaume Collboni, aimed at curbing excessive tourism’s impact on housing.