Laws
1476 newsReaders can follow how national headlines become local stories across Spanish cities, regions, institutions and communities.
163.020 new Spanish citizens face an uncertain vote
A Supreme Court review has put the 29 November vote in doubt for thousands who gained Spanish nationality through the ley de nietos. Their registration remains under scrutiny.
Court ruling clears Puigdemont’s route back to Spain
Spain’s Constitutional Court has applied the amnesty law to the embezzlement conviction linked to the procés. The decision removes the legal barrier that had blocked a possible return for Carles Puigdemont.
Puigdemont can return, but Spain’s courts still hold the key
The Constitutional Court has weakened the legal barrier to Carles Puigdemont’s return. His arrest order is suspended, yet the amnesty still requires a separate court decision.
Late Notice Can Keep Landlords Tied to a Rental for Five More Years
A reported BOE housing measure changes how Spanish rental contracts end. Owners must give six months' notice or face automatic extensions and possible compensation, although the final effect depends on the applicable decree and its parliamentary status.
Hazte Oír asks Spain's Supreme Court to investigate seven Constitutional Court judges
Hazte Oír has taken its challenge to Spain's Supreme Court, accusing seven Constitutional Court magistrates of exceeding their powers in the malversación amnesty case. The complaint targets the court's ruling in the case of former Catalan minister Dolors Bassa.
Electric cars overtake combustion engines on Austria’s fastest highways
Austria has introduced a two-speed highway system where electric cars can legally drive up to 130 km/h while combustion and hybrid vehicles are restricted to 100 km/h in certain regions. The rule is enforced on hundreds of kilometers and violations carry steep penalties.
Spain forces local authorities to cover tenant debts to halt evictions
Spain’s government has enacted a sweeping housing decree that compels public administrations to assume the debts of vulnerable tenants, blocking evictions unless alternative housing is provided. The law also extends rental protections, clamps down on speculative buying, and introduces new transparency rules for the rental market.
Bolaños says Catalonia has gained from amnesty policy
The government is defending its Catalonia strategy before the 29-N election. Félix Bolaños says pardons and amnesty have restored political coexistence, while Carles Puigdemont could now return without arrest.
Spanish law forces electric car owners to pay for their own charging points
Electric car owners in Spain cannot pass the cost of charging points or electricity to their neighbors. The law makes each driver fully responsible for installation and energy bills in shared garages, closing a loophole that once fueled disputes.
Constitutional Court orders Supreme Court to apply amnesty
Spain's Constitutional Court has told the Tribunal Supremo to apply the amnesty law in the first case it reviewed. Arrest warrants for three Catalan leaders were lifted provisionally as the Supreme Court studies the ruling.
Spanish cities gain power to raise street parking fees for large cars
A new Spanish decree allows city councils to charge higher street parking fees for larger vehicles. The move aims to improve urban mobility and safety by discouraging oversized cars and giving more space to pedestrians.
Constitutional Court clears path for Puigdemont's return
Spain's Constitutional Court is expected to extend the amnesty to embezzlement. The decision could remove the main legal barrier to Carles Puigdemont's return before the elections.
Blue license plates mark legal taxis and VTCs in Spain
Since 2018, taxis and VTCs in Spain have been required to display a blue rear license plate. This visual marker, pushed by the taxi sector, aims to curb illegal operators and clarify who is authorized to transport passengers.
Spain cuts the legal deadline for dependency rulings to three months
Ley 4/2026 cuts Spain's legal deadline for deciding dependency applications from six months to three. The reform also changes assessments, links dependency grades to disability status and expands access to support.
Government to revive housing decrees without cutting protections
Congress rejected both housing decrees on Friday, 2 October. The Government plans to approve revised versions on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, while Ernest Urtasun says tenant protections will remain unchanged.
Constitutional Court ruling could clear path to amnesty for procés embezzlement
The Tribunal Constitucional is due to rule Tuesday on the key amnesty appeal. Its decision could set binding guidance for the Supreme Court and remove the legal barrier facing Puigdemont and other fugitive leaders.
Pedro Sánchez calls early elections, dissolves Spanish Parliament
Pedro Sánchez has set Spain on the path to early general elections by dissolving the Cortes. The move, grounded in the Spanish Constitution, hands the decision to voters and shakes up the country’s legislative cycle.
Spanish cities gain power to charge higher parking fees for large cars
From October 2026, Spanish municipalities can set parking fees based on car size and environmental rating. There is no automatic price hike for SUVs, but local councils may choose to charge more for larger or more polluting vehicles.
Madrid and Barcelona push for near zero alcohol limit on Spanish roads
Spain’s top traffic official confirms that Madrid and Barcelona city halls have formally requested a drastic reduction in the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers. The move could make even a single beer enough to trigger a positive test.
Spanish housing showdown puts government on the brink
Spain’s Congress faces a knife-edge vote on two housing decrees that could change tenant protections and market rules. With opposition parties threatening to block them, the result could shake the government and affect thousands at risk of eviction or soaring rents.
Podemos backs both housing decrees as Sánchez seeks Junts vote
Podemos will support both housing decrees in Congress. The government still needs Junts or the PNV to avoid defeat, with the first measure set to suspend evictions for vulnerable households.
Tenants Take the Housing Decrees Fight to Spain's Streets
Tenant unions are mobilising nationwide before Friday's parliamentary vote on 2 October. They want both housing decrees approved, automatic rent renewals protected and stronger safeguards against evictions.
Junts Puts Spain's Rental Protections at Risk
Nearly five million rental contracts face a political shock. Junts plans to reject the housing decrees unless the Government rewrites the main text before Friday's vote.
Feijóo would scrap Spain's anti-eviction shield
Alberto Núñez Feijóo's party would repeal the Government's two housing decrees if it reached La Moncloa. Municipal social services would then have to help vulnerable households find another home.
Congress faces decisive housing vote on Friday
Spain's Congress will vote on two housing decrees this Friday. The session begins at 11:00, with results expected around 15:00 after a separate debate on each measure.
Spain Breaks Ranks Over the EU's New Return Rules
EU interior ministers have approved rules meant to speed up deportations. Spain was the only country to vote against them, while Belgium abstained.
Spanish drivers face steep fines for uninsured cars left in private garages
Leaving your car uninsured in a private garage in Spain can trigger fines up to 3,005 euros and even lead to your vehicle being impounded. Many owners are unaware that insurance remains mandatory even if the car never leaves the garage.
Conde-Pumpido presses Supreme Court for swift amnesty compliance
Cándido Conde-Pumpido is backing urgent amnesty enforcement by the Supreme Court. His draft ruling in the Dolors Bassa case would demand a clear and immediate response.
Spain to End Confusing Traffic Light Overlap for Pedestrians and Drivers
From October 2026, Spanish traffic lights will no longer show flashing amber for vehicles while pedestrians see green. The DGT aims to eliminate this risky overlap and clarify right of way at crossings.
Constitutional Court withholds ruling ahead of amnesty hearing
Spain's Constitutional Court will not preview its ruling on malversación amnesty before the October 6 plenary. The decision could affect Carles Puigdemont's return and guide every judge and court.
Madrid seeks court order to remove Sol housing camp
A 48-hour deadline to remove the Puerta del Sol housing camp has expired. Madrid is now asking the courts to order its immediate dissolution, while the Delegación del Gobierno says police have no grounds to intervene without disturbances.
Portugal enforces heavy fines for missing truck identification
From October 1, Portugal will impose fines up to 1,220 euros on heavy vehicles lacking mandatory identification plates. The crackdown affects Spanish transporters but spares private cars, clarifying confusion over DGT environmental stickers.
Rent hikes halted for thousands as Spain's new index takes charge
Landlords across Spain are now blocked from raising rents above strict government limits until 2028. A new official index decides if your rent can go up or stays frozen, with rules based on your address and property details.
Vicente Vallés questions Spain's late housing decree
Spain's Government approved two housing decrees after an agreement between PSOE and Sumar. Vicente Vallés says the measures came too late, and their future still depends on Congress.
Landlords face twelve month payout for ending rental contracts
Spain’s government is set to require landlords to pay tenants at least a year’s rent if they refuse to renew a lease without justified cause. The move, part of a sweeping housing reform, aims to shift the balance of power in the rental market and could reshape how contracts are negotiated.
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