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Spain approves housing decrees for Congress vote
The government has approved housing measures, but their survival now depends on a congressional vote.
What happened
Spain’s Council of Ministers approved two housing decrees on Tuesday after negotiations with coalition partner Sumar and pressure from a Madrid tenants’ camp. The measures extend eviction protections, regulate seasonal and room rentals, restrict purchases by investment funds and lengthen some existing leases. Congress must ratify them.
Numbers
- 2030Eviction protections extended through this year — Applies under the new decrees
- 2028Fund purchase ban runs through — Also affects eligible lease extensions
- 2 yearsExtra term for eligible leases — For contracts ending before 2028
- 600 peopleCamped at Puerta del Sol — In about 350 tents
Questions
- Why did the camp form?
- It followed the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, whose removal from her longtime Madrid home became a focus for tenants.
- Which tenants get longer leases?
- Existing contracts ending before the end of 2028 would receive an extra two-year extension under the new measures.
- How large was the protest camp?
- Reports counted around 600 people in 350 tents at Puerta del Sol, where the camp continued after the eviction.
- What happens in Congress on Friday?
- Lawmakers are expected to vote on ratifying the two royal decree-laws approved by the Council of Ministers.
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The catch
The reports do not show whether enough lawmakers will back both measures when Congress votes.