Spain announces ban on evictions after protests over 87-year-old woman’s removal from flat
Spain is grappling with an escalating social crisis that has forced the hand of its governing coalition. Following widespread protests ignited by the harrowing eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid, the national government has introduced significant housing measures designed to provide immediate relief to millions of citizens. The unfolding housing crisis has turned iconic locations like the Puerta del Sol into symbols of resistance, where protesters have erected tents to demand systemic change in a market they argue has become dangerously speculative.
The government’s response involves two new royal decrees that aim to stabilize a volatile rental market. Among the most notable provisions is a moratorium on evictions, set to remain in effect until 2030, alongside strict regulations on short-term holiday rentals and room lettings. Furthermore, the legislation proposes an aggressive stance against the activities of investment firms, often referred to as vulture funds, by potentially banning them from purchasing residential property. These steps represent a clear attempt to pivot away from a market-driven approach that has long left tenants feeling vulnerable.
Understanding the Spanish Housing Crisis
The urgency behind these legislative moves stems from a stark reality: the country is suffering from an estimated shortage of 700,000 homes. Economic data from the national statistics institute, INE, indicates that house prices surged by 12.2% over the past year alone. This inflationary pressure is mirrored in the rental market, where costs escalated by 8.5% in 2025. In hubs like Madrid and Barcelona, the situation is even more dire, with rental prices reaching levels that far outpace the average citizen’s disposable income, as noted by industry analysts tracking real estate trends.
For many, the catalyst for change was the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, whose case drew national outrage after footage emerged of her being removed from her long-term apartment on a stretcher. Her story is far from unique, as many families struggle under the weight of rising costs and aggressive corporate landlords. The ongoing legislative process remains tense, with the minority government needing to navigate a fragmented parliament to secure the necessary support for these decrees.
The political friction is palpable. While the Sumar alliance champions the interventions as a necessary step for social equity, members of the opposition, including representatives from the Junts party, have raised concerns. Critics argue that broad regulations could unfairly penalize small-scale property owners who are simply managing their life savings, rather than the large-scale funds that are the primary target of public ire. The challenge for the government now lies in refining the policy to ensure it hits its intended targets without causing collateral damage to the broader rental ecosystem.
Activists, however, remain unconvinced that the current proposals are the final solution. Spokespeople from the Madrid Tenants’ Union have publicly stated that the fight has merely begun. They emphasize that the implementation of these protections must be scrutinized closely, ensuring that the final text provides ironclad security for residents. As protests continue to mobilize in cities like Seville, Malaga, and Cadiz, the government faces a narrow 30-day window to achieve a consensus in Congress. The outcome of this vote will not only determine the immediate fate of countless renters but will also serve as a barometer for how Spain navigates the delicate balance between property investment and the human right to shelter.
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