The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez suffered a setback in the Spanish Parliament after lawmakers rejected two emergency decrees drafted in response to the housing crisis. The development has increased the possibility that Spain will hold new elections this autumn.
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One of the decrees was rejected by 178 votes to 172, while the other received 184 votes against and 166 in favor. Following the result, pressure on Sanchez to call early elections has intensified, with November 29 mentioned as a possible date. Spanish media report that the prime minister is expected to decide on the matter by Monday.
Meanwhile, housing protests are continuing in Madrid, where thousands of people have gathered in Puerta del Sol square. The Tenants’ Committee, which organized the demonstrations, has announced protests on October 3 in the capital and in 22 other Spanish cities.
During the parliamentary debate, Sanchez defended the proposed measures, stating that they contained “no extremism.” He urged lawmakers to take into account the difficulties faced by families dealing with rising rents. The People’s Party, which represents the main opposition force, opposed this approach, saying the crisis cannot be resolved through decrees but through the construction of new homes.
According to Spanish authorities, the decrees included measures against speculation in the real estate market, increases in tourist rentals and the eviction of people in need from their homes. One of the most controversial proposals was the automatic and indefinite extension of rental contracts.
