Junts Withholding Support Imperils Spain's Housing Decree on Eve of Vote
Chances that Spain's Congress would pass a decree aimed at curbing the housing crisis dimmed on October 1 after Catalan kingmaker party Junts raised last-minute issues and asked the government to devise a new proposal on the eve of a scheduled vote. Junts, a separatist centre-right party, holds just seven seats but is pivotal in the fragmented chamber.
Junts argued the measures would reduce housing supply, including a ban on evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, a two-year rent-freeze extension for existing leases, and tighter rules for short-term rentals. It said the steps would drive up prices and make access harder for people with limited means.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's minority leftist government holds only 147 of 350 seats and relies on smaller parties to pass legislation. The decree was one of two crafted after protests sparked by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal; thousands of mostly young activists have camped in Madrid's main square and other cities.
A second decree permitting automatic and indefinite renewal of rental contracts was already expected to fail. Housing is rapidly becoming the defining issue in Spanish politics.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：马德里众议院大楼（国会宫）夜景。摄影：Roberto García，CC BY 2.0，来源：Wikimedia Commons
