Podemos backs government housing decrees, leaving final vote to Junts and allies

On Thursday, Podemos declared that its four legislators will vote in favor of the government's two housing decrees in the upcoming congressional session. The decision follows a meeting with the Confederación de Sindicatos de Inquilinas, which has been staging a protest camp at Madrid's Puerta del Sol. By endorsing the bills, Podemos shifts the balance of power to Junts, which convened an executive meeting to decide its stance, with uncertainty about Carles Puigdemont's participation.

The final outcome also hinges on the votes of the PNV and Coalición Canaria, whose positions remain undisclosed. Analysts note that a Junts abstention combined with PNV support could still allow the decrees to pass by a margin of one vote (172-171). The legislation includes measures such as prohibiting evictions of vulnerable tenants, extending rent freezes, restricting purchases by investment funds, and offering tax incentives, reflecting broader social pressure on housing policy.