Overview
- The forcible eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen in Madrid sparked large protests and an encampment at Puerta del Sol that pushed housing to the top of the national agenda.
- On Tuesday the Council of Ministers approved two 'Decreto Maricarmen' real-decrees that suspend evictions for vulnerable people, restrict bulk purchases by investment funds, regulate short-term and room rentals, and propose limits on rent increases.
- Maricarmen’s representatives reached an agreement with the property company to let her return at a rent capped at no more than 30% of her net income, but her formal ratification is pending and she remains hospitalized.
- The decrees must be convalidated by Congress in an extraordinary plenary scheduled for Friday and face uncertain support from coalition partners and opposition parties, especially over the second decree on automatic contract renewals.
- Tenant unions leading the Puerta del Sol camp welcome the measures as a first step but demand indefinite contracts and stronger anti-speculation rules and are preparing further mobilization if the decrees are weakened.