Spain's coalition government has approved measures including a ban on evictions until 2030 following the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, sparking widespread protests. The measures will be split into two decrees to be voted on in parliament, with the first likely to pass but the second facing opposition.
The government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, has sought support from conservative and Basque parties to pass the measures, but faces challenges in securing a majority. The measures include banning vulture funds from the housing market and extending rental agreements, with protests continuing in Madrid as tenants demand legal reforms.
The government faces an uphill battle to secure support in a fragmented parliament, with Junts, a pro-independence party, expressing concerns about the measures. The measures are divided into two decrees, with the second focusing on automatic contract rollover, which protesters argue should be addressed in full.
The 87-year-old woman's lawyer reported that a preliminary agreement was reached to allow her return to her home, but the terms involve paying 30% of her pension over eight years. The case has become a symbol of the housing crisis, with protesters continuing to camp in Madrid despite the government's efforts to pass the measures.