Spain’s coalition government has enacted two emergency decrees aimed at addressing the nation’s housing crisis. The move follows widespread demonstrations across cities including Madrid and Barcelona, triggered by the recent eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her long-term apartment.

The new measures, which take effect immediately, include a ban on evictions until 2030, the extension of rental contracts until 2028, and stricter regulations on short-term and room rentals. Additionally, the government has moved to prohibit investment firms from purchasing residential housing. Health Minister Mónica García stated that these policies are intended to protect approximately five million people and represent an effort to curb speculation in the housing market.

The legislative package now faces a critical hurdle: it must secure approval from the Spanish Congress within 30 days. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s minority government, a coalition between the Socialist Party and the Sumar alliance, lacks a parliamentary majority and has previously struggled to pass similar housing legislation due to opposition from right-leaning parties.

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Political reaction to the decrees has been divided. While government officials have framed the measures as a necessary social transformation, Míriam Nogueras of the Junts party criticized the policy for failing to distinguish between large investment funds and small-scale landlords who rely on rental income. Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez urged lawmakers to support the decrees, characterizing them as a response to the public suffering highlighted by the Abascal case.

The housing crisis in Spain is underscored by a significant supply deficit, with the Bank of Spain estimating a shortage of 700,000 homes. Official data indicates that house prices rose by 12.2% over the past year, while rental costs have seen substantial increases in major urban centers. Despite the government's announcement, housing activists have signaled that further protests are planned, noting that they intend to monitor the implementation of the new rules closely.

Source: BBC News