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Spanish Congress rejects two housing decrees
Two emergency housing measures failed in Congress, leaving Spain’s government without the votes to ratify them.
What happened
Spain’s Congress rejected two emergency housing decrees proposed by Pedro Sánchez’s government on Friday. The measures failed ratification after Junts voted against them, alongside opposition from the Popular Party and Vox. One decree had already entered force and was repealed; the other also did not pass.
Numbers
- 172–178First decree vote in Congress — For and against
- 166–184Second decree vote in Congress — For and against
- Over 24 hoursFirst decree’s time in force — Before repeal
Questions
- How long did it apply?
- It was in force from midnight on Thursday until Congress rejected it on Friday afternoon, a little more than one day.
- Why did the government propose them?
- The government presented the measures as a response to housing affordability and included tax incentives meant to encourage more rental supply.
- What protections would the first decree provide?
- It would have barred evictions of vulnerable people and extended rental contracts due to expire during the current year.
- Which votes blocked ratification?
- Junts opposed both measures, joining the Popular Party and Vox; UPN also opposed the first decree in Congress.
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
The catch
Coverage has not explained the second decree’s provisions or what replacement could win majority support.