Spain’s government has suffered a parliamentary setback after the lower house rejected emergency housing measures aimed at addressing the country’s affordability crisis.
The two housing decrees proposed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s coalition government were defeated in the Congress of Deputies, after opposition from the Popular Party (PP), Vox, and Catalan separatist party Junts.
The measures were introduced amid growing public concern over rising rents, housing shortages and protests following the eviction of an 87-year-old woman. They included stronger protections for vulnerable tenants, restrictions on some rental practices, incentives for housing construction and changes to lease renewal rules.
Sánchez argued the reforms would help young people and families facing increasing housing pressures, while Junts spokesperson Miriam Nogueras said the proposals could reduce rental supply and increase prices.
Housing has become a major social and political issue in Spain, with thousands taking part in demonstrations calling for action on rising rents, limited housing availability and stronger tenant protections.
The protests reflect wider concerns across Europe over housing affordability, as governments face pressure to balance renter protections with policies that support investment and maintain rental supply. For Sánchez’s coalition, the failed vote highlights the challenge of building political consensus on one of Spain’s most contested domestic issues.
ℹ️ Al Jazeera
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