Spanish PM Sánchez loses key housing crisis vote after eviction of woman, 87

What the report says

Spain’s lower house of parliament has rejected two government decree-laws aimed at easing the country’s housing crisis, dealing a setback to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and adding to speculation that he may seek an early election. The votes in Congress came after weeks of public anger over rising rents and a highly publicized eviction in Madrid involving Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman whose removal helped trigger protests across the country.

According to the BBC, lawmakers voted down the two measures after the government failed to secure enough support from smaller parties. The proposals would have strengthened tenant protections, including wider limits on evictions for vulnerable renters, longer lease extensions, and some restrictions on property buyers and tourist rentals. A second, more controversial decree also included automatic renewal of rental contracts.

The defeat is politically significant because Sánchez leads a minority government and has already been facing pressure from scandals and legal cases involving his party and allies. The article says the loss has intensified discussion about whether he will dissolve parliament before the next election, which is currently due next summer.

The housing dispute has become a broader national issue, with protesters in Madrid and other cities demanding cheaper rents and stronger regulation. Some demonstrations continued even after Abascal was allowed to return to her flat on lower rent. As a general matter, Spain has struggled with high housing costs in recent years, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.