Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on 27 September 2026 that the government would submit a Real Decreto Ley on housing to the Consejo de Ministros on the coming Tuesday. He spoke of working “against the clock” to complete the package of measures in time. The move follows nationwide protests and widespread criticism of evictions, which had recently received additional attention because of the case of “Maricarmen”.
According to the government, the decree is intended to strengthen tenant protection in the short term, place tighter limits on evictions and increase oversight of large housing portfolios. The minister responsible for housing and the Urban Agenda, Isabel Rodríguez, is holding talks with parliamentary groups in the governing majority to ensure the conditions for the text’s swift adoption and subsequent confirmation.
The choice of instrument, a Real Decreto Ley, underlines the urgency. It allows the measure to take effect immediately, after which it must be confirmed or rejected by the Congreso de los Diputados. Sánchez cited a “emergencia habitacional” affecting many households as justification. The government did not name specific measures in advance, but stressed that protecting vulnerable tenants was central.
The parliamentary hurdle is seen as decisive politically. Reports say government representatives are in intensive talks with Junts and the party family of Sumarto secure a majority. It has been officially confirmed that contacts are ongoing; the precise scope of disputed points remained unclear initially. While Sumar is publicly calling for far-reaching intervention in favour of tenant protection, other players have expressed reservations about blanket interference in existing contractual relationships. The government has so far avoided taking a position on possible rent caps or temporary eviction moratoriums.
The immediate news trigger is the announcement on 27 September 2026 that the proposal would be presented to the cabinet on Tuesday. Whether the decree then passes the Congreso de los Diputados remains an open political question. If parliamentary confirmation is secured, the government could quickly provide additional tools to combat evictions and introduce stricter requirements for large landlords. If the proposal fails, tensions within the governing majority and renewed protests in larger cities may follow. The government said it would hold final talks on Monday and agree the final draft for the Consejo de Ministros.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).