The Spanish Parliament rejected two emergency government measures designed to reduce widespread protests against rising housing rental costs. This vote took place as hundreds of protesters gathered outside Parliament in Madrid, chanting slogans like "Shame on you" and "Your profit, our suffering."
Protesters and Reasons for Protests
Protests in Spain have been ongoing for a week and include the establishment of a tent city in central Madrid. These protests intensified particularly after the eviction of an 87-year-old retiree named María Carmen Abascal from her apartment. This issue has seriously challenged the unbearable housing costs.
Pedro Sánchez, the leftist Prime Minister who leads a minority government, needs the support of opponents to pass laws. At the end of a 5-hour debate in the House of Representatives, he urged members: "Do the right thing, or history will judge you."
Details of the Rejected Measures
The first emergency measure, which the government claimed would prevent the eviction of vulnerable individuals, was rejected by a narrow margin of 178-172. The second measure, which sought to automate the renewal of leases by tenants, faced a larger deficit with 184 negative votes.
Opponents of these measures argued that these plans could worsen the situation and reduce housing supply. Some also suggested that Sánchez should respond to the political deadlock and call for early elections.
The Tenants' Union, which leads the protests across Spain, announced plans for larger gatherings on Saturday. Alicia del Río, a spokesperson for the union, said: "The tents will continue and expand to other neighborhoods. We are seeking a general strike."
The current wave of protests, although it has been forming for some time, has been strengthened by the eviction of Professor Abascal from her apartment as a symbol of growing discontent over housing costs. Rental prices in Spain have nearly doubled over the past decade, and young people often live with their parents until the age of 30.
The situation following Friday's vote in Parliament is not clear. Sánchez has so far ruled out early elections and may attempt to propose other emergency measures in response to the protests, but this action will also face similar obstacles in Parliament.
