Spain Approves New Housing Measures Amidst Eviction Crisis

Spain's coalition government has advanced new housing measures, including a potential ban on evictions through 2030, following widespread protests fueled by the recent eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid. The government convened Tuesday to discuss the proposals, which aim to address the nation's housing crisis.

Health Minister Mónica García stated that the measures could provide relief to over five million people. Other approved measures include the automatic rollover of tenant contracts until 2028, stricter regulations for short-term and room rentals, and a prohibition on housing purchases by investment firms. García asserted that the government intends to intervene in the speculative housing market to rebalance it between ordinary citizens and investment funds, crediting public mobilization for the progress.

However, opposition politician Míriam Nogueras criticized the agreement, arguing it unfairly disadvantages small landlords. She distinguished between large-scale property owners, such as investment funds, whose evictions should be halted, and individual property owners who have invested their savings. Nogueras expressed concern that the measures group these disparate entities together, which she deemed a mistake.

The minority government, a coalition of the ruling Socialists and junior partner Sumar, must secure parliamentary approval for the measures within 30 days of the decree's publication. Socialist Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez was slated to provide further details on the new housing regulations later on Tuesday.