The Permanent Committee of Spain's Congress of Deputies has approved the first of two housing decrees put forward by Pedro Sánchez's government. 35 deputies voted in favour of the document and 34 against.
The initiative was supported by PSOE, Sumar, ERC, PNV, EH Bildu and Podemos.
PP, Vox and Junts voted against. The deciding vote belonged to the sole representative of PNV.
The first “Maricarmen decree”, named after an 87-year-old woman whose eviction sparked protests across the country, extends until 2030 the suspension of evictions of vulnerable people who have no alternative housing. It is proposed that annual rent increases be capped at 2%.
The document also provides for tax incentives, measures against certain speculative transactions and funding of up to 2 billion euros for the construction of social and affordable housing. In addition, interest-free loans of up to 50 thousand euros are envisaged for the purchase of a first home.
“What is being put to the vote today is the bare minimum,” Minister of Social Rights and Consumer Affairs Pablo Bustinduy said during the debate ahead of the vote. “People are taking to the streets so that having a home is not a luxury (it is a matter of common sense), and to demand the protection and strengthening of public services.”
The committee rejected the second decree, which provided for the automatic extension of rental contracts. PNV refused to support it, saying that the measure could lead to a reduction in the housing supply.
A month ago, the refusal to adopt these two documents sparked protests in the country, which led to a political crisis and the calling of early parliamentary elections.
On 11 November, Spain held its first nationwide strike in 14 years. Around four million people took part in the protest, which was organised by the country's two largest trade unions, UGT and CCOO, together with a tenants' association.
