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4h ago

Spain’s Lower House Rejects Emergency Housing Decrees

The defeat leaves tenant protections stalled, raising the prospect of a snap election.

People gather during a protest following the eviction last Wednesday of 87-year-old Maricarmen to demand stronger laws to protect renters at Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Protesters camp at Plaza Catalunya square, demanding political action to stop evictions and alleviate the housing crisis, after the forceful eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her apartment in Madrid, in dowtown Barcelona, Spain, September 30, 2026. REUTERS/Albert Gea
Image
Miriam Nogueras, member of Junts party, speaks during a session to vote on two government decrees approved by the cabinet this week containing a package of social and housing measures, including protections against evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, at the Spanish Parliament in Madrid, Spain, October 2, 2026. REUTERS/Juan Medina

Overview

  • The televised eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal on Sept. 23 set off mass protests and tent encampments in Madrid and other cities that forced housing to the top of the political agenda.
  • Spain’s 350-seat lower house voted Friday to reject both emergency decrees, with the first measure falling 178-172 and the second 184-166.
  • Catalan kingmaker Junts withdrew support and said the rules would shrink rental supply, and the Popular Party and Vox joined them in voting down the government’s proposals.
  • Under public pressure the investment firm Urbagestión reversed the eviction and agreed Abascal may return to her flat while she remains hospitalized after being removed on a stretcher.
  • Protest leaders have vowed to continue occupations and are calling for a general strike, a campaign that heightens pressure on Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s minority government and could force either new legislation or early elections.