Spain Approves Eviction Ban Until 2030 Following Nationwide Housing Protests

The Spanish government approved new housing measures on Tuesday, including an eviction ban until the year 2030 and the automatic renewal of tenant contracts.

What Happened

These steps follow days of nationwide protests and demonstrations where people set up about 100 tents in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square starting Saturday night. The public outcry grew intensely after the eviction last Wednesday of 87-year-old Madrid pensioner Maricarmen Abascal from her home of 70 years. The Madrid Tenants' Union stated that the real estate firm owning her apartment had hiked her monthly rent by 275 percent to 2,650 euros, which equals $3,000. Negotiations led to a deal announced on Monday allowing Abascal to return.

Government Action

Health Minister Monica Garcia listed the measures on social media, which also include the regulation of short-term rentals and a ban on the purchase of housing by vulture funds. Justice Minister Felix Bolanos called it a great day for tenants and small homeowners. However, the measures still face a major hurdle because the Socialist-led government and its far-left coalition partner Sumar lack a majority in a fragmented parliament that must approve them.

Context

High housing costs and difficult rental markets are common challenges in many major European cities today. Governments often face intense public pressure when rising living costs clash with tenant protections and housing availability.