Garamendi denounces upcoming housing decrees as threats to private property

Antonio Garamendi was re-elected this morning as president of the employers' federation by acclamation, being the sole candidate. In his acceptance address he sharply criticized two housing decrees scheduled for a parliamentary vote the following day, asserting that they violate constitutional guarantees and shift the burden of housing provision onto private savings. Garamendi warned that such policies amount to an invasion of private property, likening some officials to the fictional Sheriff of Nottingham.

He also condemned the government's approach, referencing a remark by Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz that urged citizens to demonstrate against the government itself, describing the tactic as grotesque. The speech emphasized the need for institutional respect, adherence to the 1978 Constitution, and judicial independence. Additionally, Garamendi cautioned unions that any wage negotiations should also consider non-salary costs such as social contributions and absenteeism, potentially complicating talks for the new collective agreement.