Spain Cabinet Approves Emergency Housing Decrees Banning Evictions Until 2030 After 87-Year-Old Pensioner's Removal Sparks Nationwide Protests

Spain's coalition government approved two emergency housing decrees on September 29, 2026, banning evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, extending existing rental contracts until 2028, restricting short-term vacation rentals, and blocking real estate purchases by investment funds until 2028, according to Bloomberg, The Olive Press, Spain in English, and Euronews. The measures were issued by the ruling Socialists and junior partner Sumar in response to mass protests triggered by the forced eviction of 87-year-old Maria del Carmen Abascal from her Madrid apartment on a stretcher on September 23. Hundreds of demonstrators remained camped in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square on Tuesday demanding rent freezes and automatic lease renewals without rent hikes. Health Minister Monica Garcia said the measures include rolling over contracts until 2028 and banning so-called vulture funds from the housing market. The two decrees were approved by cabinet on Tuesday.

The minority government requires parliamentary approval within 30 days but faces an uphill battle securing support. The government has requested an extraordinary session of Congress on Friday October 2 to seek approval for both decrees. The Catalan pro-independence party Junts, whose votes are needed for passage, said it remained far from agreement and wanted protections for small landlords. If parliament rejects the decrees, they will lapse, leaving the eviction ban and rental contract extensions without legal force.

Sources

Bloomberg, Spain Approves Emergency Housing Measures to Address Rising Costs, Unrest, September 29, 2026, bloomberg.com The Olive Press, Spain approves sweeping housing measures to cap rents and ban 'vulture' fund speculation after 87-year-old's eviction sparks nationwide protests, September 29, 2026, theolivepress.es Spain in English, Cabinet approves two housing decrees after Madrid eviction, but faces uncertain vote in Congress, September 29, 2026, spainenglish.com Euronews, Spanish government unveils new measures aimed at easing housing crisis, September 29, 2026, euronews.com The Local, LISTED: Spain pre-approves six housing crisis measures, September 29, 2026, thelocal.es