Spanish Government housing bills rejected by right-wing parties

The two housing decrees presented by the Spanish government were rejected by Spain’s Congress yesterday.

The first decree, which included measures guaranteeing extension of rental agreements, rent caps, restrictions of purchases by “vulture funds,” and tax breaks for landlords and tenants, was opposed by the PP, Vox and Junts parties.

A second decree, proposing automatic renewal of rental contracts, was also defeated and the Coalición Canaria joined the opposition.

The defeat highlights the impotence of Pedro Sánchez’s coalition government, which has ruled in minority since Junts withdrew its support last year.

However, it has also offered Sánchez a chance to bolster support for his party, with public opinion strongly in favour of urgent housing measures.

The leader of the PP, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has called for Sánchez to call a general election as soon as possible, and reports from the Socialist camp suggest that a decision may be made on this over the weekend.