Pedro Sánchez Approves Urgent Housing Measures Amid National Protests

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez approved 21 urgent housing measures on October 6, 2026, to address a national housing crisis and quell widespread unrest. The package includes extended eviction protections for vulnerable residents, regulations on room and seasonal rentals, a ban on speculative property purchases, and a 10 billion euro financing line providing first-time homebuyers loans of up to 50,000 euros.

The government's action follows a legislative defeat last week when right-wing opposition parties and the Catalan separatist party Junts voted down similar emergency decrees. In response, Sánchez dissolved Parliament and called for a snap election on November 29. Because Parliament is dissolved, the new decrees will be reviewed by a 69-member interim legislature, known as the Standing Council, where the coalition requires 35 votes for ratification.

The policy shift was triggered by nationwide demonstrations, including violent clashes in Barcelona on October 5 where activists burned trash containers and threw stones at police. The unrest was sparked by the eviction of María del Carmen Abascal, an 87-year-old pensioner in Madrid. In response to the crisis, the trade unions CCOO and UGT have backed a 24-hour general strike, though a date has not yet been finalized.