Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez Faces Parliamentary Defeat Over Housing Crisis After 87‑Year‑Old Woman's Eviction
Spain’s ruling coalition lost a crucial vote in Congress after the eviction of an 87‑year‑old pensioner sparked nationwide protests over rising rents and housing insecurity.
The two decree‑laws, drafted in response to the country’s long‑standing housing crisis, were meant to suspend evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, extend leases and curb speculative property purchases. Parliament rejected them 178‑172 on the first proposal and 184‑166 on the second.
Maricarmen Abascal, the victim of a rent increase imposed by the Madrid property firm Urbagestión, was evicted after failing to pay the new rate. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Congress chambers during the debate, chanted slogans such as “shame on you” and “your profits, our misery”, and pushed for an end to the housing crunch.
The government’s measures also included a two‑year extension to expiring leases, a temporary increase in tourist‑apartment taxes and a ban on purchases by so‑called “vulture funds”. The second draft’s automatic renewal clause was a key demand of the Tenants’ Union, which had organized tent protests in Madrid’s city centre.
The left‑wing coalition, which includes the Socialist Party and the Sumar alliance, has already been weakened by scandals and judicial cases involving high‑level officials. The failure to secure the housing decrees highlights the President’s precarious position and is fueling speculation that he may call a snap election – a move that could reshape Spain’s political landscape before the next scheduled general election next summer.
The opposition Conservative People's Party and far‑right Vox have pledged to vote against the proposals, while the pro‑independence Together for Catalonia bloc has also signaled opposition, leaving the minority government without a reliable parliamentary majority.
In a televised address, Sánchez urged legislators to “put order and humanity into the housing market”, warning that unchecked speculation could destabilise society. He called on the nation to back the reforms as a matter of collective responsibility.
Meanwhile, protesters have announced plans for a general strike and continue to occupy public squares, demanding permanent organisational structures that extend beyond Madrid to other cities and residential blocks suffering rent increases and evictions.
With the vote a clear setback for Sánchez’s reform agenda, the Spanish Parliament is now at a crossroads. The next few days will see cabinet discussions on whether to dissolve parliament, trigger early elections or seek new alliances to negotiate a different path for housing policy.
