Spain's government has banned evictions until 2030 following nationwide protests over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her Madrid home. The ban, part of a broader housing package, aims to address the country's deepening housing crisis. The measures, approved by the coalition government, include automatic renewal of tenant contracts and restrictions on investment firms purchasing housing.
The eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who was forced from her home on a stretcher, sparked massive protests across Spain. Her building was bought by an investment firm that raised her rent by over 200%, prompting tenants' unions to organize demonstrations in Madrid and other cities. The government has responded with a package of measures, including a ban on evictions until 2030, to address the crisis.
The proposed measures, which must be approved by Congress, face challenges due to the government's lack of majority in parliament. The package includes restrictions on investment firms and short-term rentals, but critics argue it falls short of protesters' demands. Spain's housing shortage, with 755,000 units short of demand, highlights the urgency of the issue. The government faces pressure to secure broader support for the measures.
The measures include a temporary ban on evictions and automatic renewal of tenant contracts, but the government lacks a majority and must secure approval from right-leaning parties. Critics warn that the package may not fully address the housing crisis, with calls for more protests and structural changes to resolve the issue.