Junts has delivered an ultimatum to Pedro Sánchez, vowing to block two basic housing decrees unless the government withdraws them and drafts new legislation. The standoff exposes deep divisions over how to address Spain’s housing crisis and protect vulnerable tenants.
Junts has told Pedro Sánchez it will vote down both government housing decrees unless the executive withdraws them before Friday’s Congress vote. Led by Carles Puigdemont, the party made the decision at an emergency meeting late Thursday, putting the government’s housing reforms at risk.
The dispute began after the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, which sparked public anger and calls for stronger tenant protections. Junts argues the decrees will reduce the rental supply and push up prices, leaving low-income families with fewer housing options. The party also says the government has failed to stop “vulture funds” from buying homes and forcing out vulnerable tenants. Official government materials say the two decrees were approved and sent to Congress for an emergency vote on October 2, 2026. One includes anti-eviction measures and extends the “social shield” until December 31, 2030. The other targets speculative buying and sets limits on investment funds.
Junts leaders say the government’s plan “will provoke the opposite effect to what is intended.” They also criticize the lack of rent support for at-risk tenants. The party objects to a rule allowing tenants to buy their homes before they pass to heirs, calling it “de facto expropriation of family savings built over three generations.”
Earlier this week, Junts had sounded hopeful about a deal. It demanded an end to evictions from homes owned by vulture funds and a ban on the funds buying new properties. It also sought a 15% tax break on rent and home purchases up to €11,630 a year. The government’s decrees fell short: instead of a permanent ban, they offered a temporary block on vulture fund purchases until the end of 2028. Junts said the tax breaks were too limited. Several independent Spanish outlets report that Moncloa links the new measures directly to the Maricarmen case. Vice President Yolanda Díaz says the goal is to prevent similar evictions in the future.
Junts faces pressure from several sides. Catalan business leaders worry about the economic fallout, while party spokesperson Míriam Nogueras has sought to reassure small and medium-sized businesses. She says Junts will not give in to street protests or turn its back on property owners. Privately, party sources say they are ready to “get burned to defend Catalan families and property owners.” They accuse the government of misleading the public about its housing policies.
Independent Spanish media report that the vote may hinge on Junts, PNV, Coalición Canaria and Podemos. If the government fails to secure enough support, both decrees could be blocked, or one could fall separately, posing a impressive political risk for Sánchez.
Spain’s housing crisis continues, and disputes over tenant protections and market rules have fueled major protests. In Madrid, demonstrators camped out in Puerta del Sol, demanding urgent action.
Junts wants Sánchez’s government to withdraw the current decrees and draft new housing rules at the next Council of Ministers. The party is ready to sink the proposals, which could force Sánchez to change course or risk defeat in Congress. The vote will determine the decrees’ fate and test the government’s credibility on housing.
