Government rushes through emergency housing decree after 87-year-old eviction sparks protests

The forced eviction of Maricarmen, an 87-year-old resident, ignited massive protests that culminated in a 15M demonstration for housing rights at Puerta del Sol. The government reacted by accelerating a stalled housing decree, postponing the cabinet meeting by an hour to seal the agreement. Negotiations involved PSOE, Sumar, Podemos, Junts, and PNV, with each side extracting concessions such as extending eviction protection to 2030 and tightening rules on seasonal and room rentals.

The final package also contains a separate text on indefinite rental contracts, though that element faced rejection from Junts and PNV. Ministers Isabel Rodríguez and Pablo Bustinduy presented the measures in rushed press briefings, acknowledging that some provisions were still being drafted. The rapid legislative move reflects the pressure from street protests and the coalition’s effort to avoid further social unrest.