A new debate is heating up in Spanish politics over the housing issue. Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of Partido Popular, has unveiled an unexpected proposal: he wants to link regional funding to the number of new homes built. If he succeeds in leading the government, regions and municipalities will receive increased funding only if they actually boost the construction of new houses and apartments. According to Feijóo, this approach could shake up the existing system and push local authorities to address housing problems more proactively.
Feijóo outlined his vision at a party event in Barcelona, delving into a strategic plan for the housing sector. In his speech, he criticized the current government for high taxes, legal confusion, a surge in illegal property occupations, and inadequate wages that prevent young people from renting or buying homes. In his view, all these issues demand urgent and radical action.
A new approach
Feijóo insists that if regions want more money from the state budget, they must prove their effectiveness in practice. He proposes changing the rules: instead of political agreements, actual housing construction figures should become the main criteria for fund allocation. Municipalities that can show an increase in new housing will gain additional opportunities for investment and development.
At the same time, the opposition leader emphasizes that the housing crisis is not an ideological issue, but a challenge for the entire country. In his view, the current authorities have only made the situation worse in recent years, and now a ‘tough correction’ of all their measures is needed. Feijóo pays special attention to young people, believing that young Spaniards are suffering the most from the lack of affordable housing and the declining standard of living.
Criticism from opponents
In his speech, Feijóo did not ignore his political opponents. He strongly criticized the agreements between Pedro Sánchez and the parties advocating for greater autonomy for Catalonia. According to the leader of the Partido Popular, the current prime minister uses financial leverage solely for his own personal interests in order to stay in power. Feijóo was particularly outraged by the return of Oriol Junqueras to big-time politics, calling it unacceptable that the former leader of the Catalan separatists is once again among the key figures responsible for distributing state funds.
Feijóo maintains that his approach to funding Spain’s autonomous regions is fundamentally different: it is focused on the real needs of people, not political deals. His plans include stimulating the construction of new housing in the regions—without raising taxes—to address one of the most critical social challenges in recent years.
Focusing on homeownership
A key part of Feijóo’s platform is restoring Spaniards’ ability to buy their own homes. He regrets that the number of homeowners in the country is steadily declining, especially among citizens under 65. For the politician, this is an alarming trend: owning a house or apartment has traditionally been seen in Spain as a symbol of stability and prosperity.
According to Feijóo, the government should create conditions that make homeownership affordable for most families again. He promises to review all existing support programs to make them more effective and targeted. Otherwise, the opposition leader warns, Spain risks facing an even deeper real estate crisis.
Challenges and Expectations
Feijóo’s plans have already sparked heated reactions among experts and regional officials. Some believe the new system of fund allocation could boost the construction sector and help address the housing shortage. Others worry that less affluent regions may be put at a disadvantage and struggle to compete with wealthier autonomous communities.
In any case, Feijóo’s initiative raises important questions about the fairness and effectiveness of Spain’s budget policy. Are the regions ready for new rules? Will the state ensure equal conditions for everyone? The answers to these questions will become clear only after the elections and the formation of the new government.
In case you didn’t know, Alberto Núñez Feijóo is one of the most influential politicians in contemporary Spain and has led the Partido Popular since 2022. Previously, he served as president of the autonomous community of Galicia, earning a reputation as a pragmatic leader focused on economically sound policies. His political style is marked by strong rhetoric and a focus on social and economic issues. In recent years, Feijóo has become an active proponent of reforming the regional financing system and updating the country’s housing policy.
