Spain’s Minority Government Faces Parliamentary Vote on Contested Housing Decrees

The Sánchez administration has scheduled a vote on two decree-laws for October 2. The measures aim to curb evictions and curb rent growth, but the government’s minority coalition lacks a clear majority and depends on smaller nationalist parties for passage.

BBC News

Protests intensified after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, prompting tent encampments in Madrid that lasted nearly a week. Rents have doubled over the past decade, with the average monthly rent reaching €1,176—about 98.7 % of a typical young worker’s salary, according to the Youth Council of Spain. The Tenants’ Union (Sindicato de Inquilinas) announced it would end the central-Madrid tent protest and shift actions to neighbourhoods, while also calling for a general strike.

Reuters

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged lawmakers to support the decrees, saying the reforms are “necessary” to restore order to the housing market. Social Affairs Minister Pablo Bustinduy framed the debate as a fight against “an international oligarchy” extracting rent from workers. The Tenants’ Union’s spokesperson Alicia del Río accused politicians of ignoring society’s demands.

BBC News

Political scientist Alejandro Quiroga noted that a defeat could trigger a snap election in November, reshaping the political debate.

Reuters

• “The mood here is one of disappointment. We were hoping the decree would be passed at the first attempt,” — Emilio Anton

Reuters

• “Not only would the Government take the political initiative, but also, if Junts and the PP do indeed end up not voting in favour of the decrees, and elections are ultimately called for the end of November, this will also change the framework of the political debate,” — Alejandro Quiroga, a political scientist at the Complutense University of Madrid

Reuters

• “I don't ask you, I beg you to be brave and consistent,” — Sánchez

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