Spanish Government Faces Mounting Pressure for Housing Reform Amid Nationwide Protests

• The eviction of an 80-year-old woman named Maricarmen on September 23 has sparked intense housing rights protests, including a multi-day encampment in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol.
• The Spanish government is now scrambling to finalize a housing decree to satisfy tenant unions, housing advocacy groups, and conflicting parliamentary factions.
• Proposed measures reportedly include limits on speculative purchases by investment funds, regulation of temporary rentals, and various tax incentives and purchase subsidies.

Political Dynamics

• Progress on housing policy had stalled due to disagreements between the PSOE, its coalition partner Sumar, and support parties like PNV and Junts.
• Sumar is leveraging the current climate to demand more ambitious protections, including comprehensive eviction bans, stricter temporary rental regulations, and an end to tourist rental fraud.
• Internal tensions remain high, as Podemos has publicly voiced opposition to proposed tax breaks for landlords that may be included in the decree.

Widespread Demonstrations

• Beyond the Madrid encampment, protests are spreading across the country, with significant disruptions reported in Barcelona.
• Demonstrators have explicitly targeted Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's appearances to voice their discontent with current housing conditions.
• The movement remains active across major cities, including various Andalusian capitals, signaling a period of sustained public unrest over housing affordability.