The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, faced a significant setback as the country’s Congress rejected crucial housing crisis measures. This defeat has intensified discussions around a potential early election call.
Rejected Measures and Political Implications
The government put forth two decree-laws designed to address Spain’s escalating housing crisis, prompted by nationwide protests following the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman, from her Madrid residence. Despite the urgent need for action, both decrees failed to pass, with the first being rejected by 178 to 172 votes and the second by 184 to 166 votes.
The rejected measures aimed to provide tenant protections in the rental market but were met with considerable opposition. The defeats underscore the precarious position of Sánchez’s Socialist government, which lacks a congressional majority. The outcome has fueled speculation about the possibility of Sánchez calling an early election, originally scheduled for next summer.
Public Outcry and Protests
As Congress debated the decrees, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside, expressing their anger with chants of “shame on you” and “your profits, our misery.” The social unrest was sparked by Abascal’s eviction after she could not afford a steep rent hike imposed by Urbagestión, the property owner.
Public dissatisfaction has continued despite Urbagestión negotiating her return under a more affordable rent. Protests have spread throughout major cities, with demonstrators occupying public spaces and planning marches to demand affordable housing. The Sindicato de Inquilinas, a tenants’ advocacy group, has vowed to expand their efforts citywide, targeting areas affected by rent increases and evictions.
Government’s Response and Legislative Challenges
In response to the mounting protests, the government drafted the two decrees in an attempt to quell public discontent. The first decree proposed measures such as halting evictions for vulnerable tenants until 2030 and extending rental leases. The second, more contentious decree, called for automatic rental contract renewals, a policy strongly supported by left-wing groups.
Despite these efforts, the government faced resistance from the conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox, who opposed the decrees. The government’s reliance on smaller nationalist parties from Catalonia and the Basque Country for support proved insufficient, as the Catalan party Together for Catalonia (JxCat) opposed the legislation, ensuring its failure.
Debate and Political Reactions
The parliamentary debate was marked by intense exchanges. Prime Minister Sánchez urged lawmakers to support the decrees, emphasizing their necessity for societal stability. Social Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy framed the issue as a struggle against international financial elites exploiting working-class Spaniards.
However, JxCat’s Miriam Nogueras criticized the decrees for being haphazardly prepared, arguing they would inadvertently enable speculative practices and evictions. Meanwhile, the political right contended that the government’s interventionist approach would deter property owners from renting, potentially exacerbating the housing shortage.
