Spain’s Congress is weighing emergency housing decrees that could topple Pedro Sánchez’s coalition. Put forward after Maricarmen’s eviction in Madrid, the measures would ban evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030 and freeze rents for two more years. They would also tighten rules on short-term rentals. Reuters reports that the proposals have become a lightning rod in the national debate.
Tensions rose inside the chamber. Carlos Hernández of Vox warned that the new rules would scare landlords away from renting to those most in need. Sumar’s Alberto Ibáñez fired back, accusing critics of pushing hundreds toward eviction and even suicide. Gerardo Pisarello, also with Sumar, spoke about Maricarmen and others forced from their homes. The Council of Ministers approved the decrees on September 29, 2026, and Congress took them up for ratification on October 2.
Junts holds the swing votes and has refused to back Sánchez’s plan. Reuters reported that the party’s seven deputies hold the balance of power in Congress, and that its opposition has sharply reduced the government’s chances of passing the decrees. Spokesperson Nogueras criticized the measures, saying they shift the burden onto other families. She cited 20,000 evictions since Sánchez took office. Junts wants both decrees withdrawn and new talks to begin. The party has also put forward its own proposal. ERC’s Gabriel Rufián hit back at Junts in the chamber. Spanish media report that Junts says the measures would shrink the rental supply and push up prices. That would make it even harder for low-income families to find a home.
Bildu threatened to take the fight to the streets if the decrees fail. PNV blamed Sánchez for the deadlock. The Partido Popular and Vox have already said no, as has UPN, forming a bloc against the government. Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez called for a cross-party deal to stop more evictions. She criticized the Partido Popular for skipping housing debates and urged Junts to at least abstain so the bill could move forward as urgent. As Cadena SER reported, Rodríguez said the new rules are meant to stop more vulnerable people from losing their homes.
Outside, tenant groups have rallied in more than twenty cities, calling for stronger renter protections and urgent changes to housing policy. Puerta del Sol has become a protest hotspot. Reuters reports that the housing package was drafted as protests erupted over the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal. Tents and demonstrations have filled Madrid and other cities.
The vote will be public, with each deputy required to state their choice aloud. The result could decide the fate of the decrees and the government. If Sánchez loses, early elections may follow. The session started at 11:00 and is set to last about four hours. Reuters reported that a second housing decree, which would have introduced automatic and indefinite extensions of rental contracts, was already considered doomed for lack of votes, even before the basic vote in Congress. Spanish media say PP, Vox and UPN had declared their opposition before the vote. PNV and Podemos remained split or undecided on parts of the package.
This crisis has roots in earlier housing tensions. Earlier reports show Junts had already faced anger from its own voters over housing. The crisis is shifting political loyalties and exposing the limits of alliances in Parliament.
Spain’s housing emergency has become a test for its fractured politics. The government’s response to public anger, especially after high-profile evictions, depends on its ability to count votes and calm the streets. If Sánchez cannot win support, the coalition could fall and Spain may head for new elections.
