Full Breakdown
Junts' Decision Looms Over Spain's Housing Decree
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Core Event: Junts' Vote Determines Fate of Royal Decree-Law 26/2026
(Royal Decree-Law 26/2026) bundles protections against evictions of vulnerable tenants, a two-year extension of existing leases, limits on speculative purchases, and new rules for seasonal rentals. Passage requires a majority in the 350-seat Congress. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s minority government holds 147 seats and depends on smaller parties. The Catalan separatist party Junts controls seven seats; its stance will decide whether the text is validated or rejected in the extraordinary plenary session scheduled for Friday.
Background & Context
Protests erupted after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, prompting the Socialist government to draft two separate decrees. The first targets eviction bans, rent-freeze extensions, and speculative-purchase limits; the second deals with automatic renewal of rental contracts. Junts argues that several provisions could shrink the rental supply and raise prices.
Key Figures & Groups
- Pedro Sánchez – Prime Minister, PSOE.
- Isabel Rodríguez – Minister of Housing.
- Jordi Turull – General secretary of Junts.
- Míriam Nogueras – Junts spokesperson in Congress.
- Carles Puigdemont – Leader of Junts.
- Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) – Critical support to the first decree.
- Podemos – Four deputies pledged to back both decrees.
- Sumar – Left-wing coalition partner of PSOE.
- Coalición Canaria – Holds a single decisive vote; undecided.
Timeline
- Thursday – Junts raises last-minute objections, requesting a new proposal.
- 9:00 p.m. – Turull calls a telematic executive meeting to set Junts’ voting line.
- Friday – Extraordinary plenary session to vote on the first decree; a separate vote on the second follows.
- Later this week – Council of Ministers expected to approve the decree before the congressional vote.
Data & Statistics
- Congress composition: PSOE 147; Junts 7; PNV 5; Podemos 4; PP, Vox, UPN 171 opposing; Coalición Canaria 1 undecided.
- First decree provisions: eviction ban until 2030, two-year rent-freeze extension for leases expiring before 2028, 0 % ICO loans for mortgages, limits on purchases below 70 % of appraisal value for investment funds, regulation of seasonal rentals, tax incentives for small owners.
- Second decree provisions: automatic renewal of leases and compensation to tenants when landlords terminate without cause.
Official Statements & Responses
- Pedro Sánchez called for “humanity” to prevail over partisan clashes, urging parties to set aside ideology.
- Jordi Turull signaled an “open position” pending the executive meeting, demanding any veto target banks and investment companies.
Criticism & Opposition
Junts argues that the eviction ban and rent-freeze could reduce rental supply, driving up prices and harming small landlords. Nogueras highlighted a clause that would prioritize tenants over heirs in inheritance cases, illustrating the perceived lack of protection for owners. The party also objects to the inclusion of measures on the Urban Leasing Law, calling it an “omnibus” text that expands beyond housing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Junts’ internal consensus: Turull’s teleconference suggests an “open position,” while Nogueras publicly advocates voting against both decrees. The exact vote intention of Junts remains undisclosed, and Coalición Canaria’s stance is still pending.
What’s Next
The congressional vote on Friday will require either Junts’ abstention combined with a favorable vote from Coalición Canaria, or a positive vote from Junts themselves, to secure a majority for the first decree. The second decree faces a built-in opposition block that would block its validation unless additional deputies change their stance. The Council of Ministers is slated to approve the decree before the parliamentary vote, after which the text will be presented to Congress for final validation.