Spain Approves Housing Reforms Following Nationwide Strike Over Costs

Spanish Parliament Approves Housing Reforms with Conditions

The Spanish parliament has ratified measures aimed at limiting evictions and real estate speculation, following a nationwide general strike over the country’s housing crisis. The reforms, which include greater protection for tenants against evictions and automatic renewal of tenant contracts, were passed by a vote of 35-34 in the lower house of parliament on Thursday.

The reforms are conditional on the outcome of an upcoming snap election scheduled for later this month. The leading opposition party, the Popular Party, has stated that it will repeal the measures if it takes power, citing concerns about their potential impact on the housing market.

The moves come after a series of protests and demonstrations over unaffordable housing, which culminated in a 24-hour walkout by hundreds of thousands of Spaniards. The protests were sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her home, which drew widespread attention and outrage.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s minority government introduced two decrees aimed at addressing the crisis, but they were initially blocked by the parliament. However, after a smaller parliamentary council was formed to consider alternative proposals, the first decree was passed with a narrow margin of one vote.

The reforms also include measures to reduce real estate speculation, such as limiting companies from buying properties for less than 70 percent of their value. However, this measure was rejected by the parliament due to concerns about its potential impact on the rental market.

The outcome of the snap election will determine the duration and scope of the housing reforms.

Source: Al Jazeera