Spain's Congress has rejected a series of government measures designed to address the country's housing crisis. This defeat for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's government has increased pressure on him to call an early election.
Lawmakers voted against two decree-laws that aimed to protect tenants in the rental market. The first decree was rejected by 178 votes to 172, and the second by 184 to 166. These measures were proposed in response to nationwide protests, which followed the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her home.
The rejected decrees included proposals such as suspending evictions for vulnerable tenants until 2030, extending rental leases, increasing taxes for tourist apartments, and restricting property purchases by certain investment funds. The second decree also proposed the automatic renewal of rental contracts.
The government's defeat underscores that Sánchez, a Socialist, does not hold a congressional majority. Sources have indicated to Spanish media that the government will spend the weekend deciding its next steps, including whether to dissolve parliament.