Key facts
- Junts party has raised last-minute issues with Spain's housing decree.
- Junts argues the decree will reduce housing supply and increase prices.
- The decree includes a ban on evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030.
- It also proposes a two-year rent freeze extension for existing leases.
- Tighter rules for short-term rentals are also part of the decree.
- Spain's minority government relies on smaller parties for legislative support.
Spain's Congress faces a potential setback in passing a decree aimed at addressing the housing crisis, as the Catalan separatist party Junts has voiced last-minute objections. The party, holding seven seats, argued on Thursday that the proposed measures could have the opposite effect of their intention, potentially reducing housing supply and increasing prices.
Key provisions of the decree include a ban on evictions for vulnerable tenants until 2030, an extension of a two-year rent freeze for existing leases, and stricter regulations for short-term rentals. Junts stated in a release that these measures would make it harder for individuals with limited financial means to access housing.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's minority leftist government, with 147 seats in the 350-seat chamber, relies on support from various smaller parties to pass legislation. Opposition parties had already indicated they would not back the decree, which was one of two drafted following protests sparked by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal.
Thousands of activists, primarily young people, had previously camped in Madrid's main square and other cities to protest the eviction and demand significant housing reforms. A separate decree, which would allow for automatic and indefinite renewal of rental contracts, was already anticipated to fail due to insufficient support in Congress.