Spanish parliament faces critical vote on housing reforms amid protests

On Friday, October 2, 2026, the Spanish parliament is set to vote on two legislative decrees aimed at addressing the country's deepening housing crisis. The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez faces an uncertain outcome in this vote as it lacks a guaranteed parliamentary majority. Heavy police security has been deployed around the parliament building in Madrid as demonstrators, who have been camping at Puerta del Sol, prepare to protest against current housing policies.

The proposed legislation seeks to mandate the automatic renewal of rental contracts upon expiration and introduce stronger protections against evictions for vulnerable tenants. These measures are specifically targeted at curbing the activities of investment firms, often referred to as vulture funds, which purchase residential properties at low costs to maximize profits through aggressive rent hikes. The surge in public unrest was triggered by the recent eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who was forced from her home of 70 years after a real estate firm demanded an exorbitant rent increase. Her case has galvanized tenant organizations and sparked nationwide demonstrations demanding systemic reform in the housing market.