Protests grow nationwide ahead of key vote

Crowds continue to occupy public squares across Spain, with encampments in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, Barcelona’s Plaça de Catalunya and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria growing in size ahead of Friday’s parliamentary vote on two urgent housing decrees.

The demonstrations, which began after the forced eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home, are calling for Congress to approve Royal Decree-law 26/2026 and a second decree covering automatic rental contract renewals. The main decree was published in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE) on 29 September and includes a proposed freeze on evictions of vulnerable people until 31 December 2030, alongside a reinstated 2% cap on rent increases.

Government seeks approval amid uncertainty

The Council of Ministers approved both measures on Tuesday, 29 September, following last-minute negotiations. Yolanda Díaz, Second Vice-President and Minister of Labour, credited citizen mobilisation for the government’s action, calling the decrees “the greatest advance in housing matters in the last decade” on her Blue Sky profile. Health Minister Mónica García echoed this, attributing the move to pressure from the streets.

The government has requested an extraordinary plenary session of Congress on Friday, 2 October, to validate both decrees. However, support is not guaranteed. Junts per Catalunya (JxCat) and Podemos have not confirmed their votes, leaving the outcome uncertain.

"We have normalized that you cannot afford an apartment, that you have to pay 800 euros for a room without a window.", Luana, protester, Barcelona encampment

Grassroots pressure intensifies

  • In Barcelona, protesters cite unaffordable rents and generational hardship.
  • In Seville, Darma described surviving on rice and pasta after being illegally evicted in 2022.
  • In Las Palmas, the encampment grew from four tents to nearly 40 in one day, with over 50 people now camping.
  • Tenant unions plan nationwide protests at 8pm on Thursday, urging all parties to back both decrees.

Sara, a 62-year-old from Madrid who lost her home in 2008, told laSexta: "I earned 900 euros, who can live on that? Either I eat or I have a home."

The Confederation of Tenants’ Unions warns that approving only one decree, such as eviction protections without automatic lease renewals, would undermine long-term housing security. Their full demand is for both texts to pass together.

Residents in cities including Málaga and Cádiz are also preparing weekend actions. The final decision rests with Congress on Friday.

Reported by lasexta.com, idealista.com, russpain.com, elconstitucional.es, spainenglish.com, aa.com.tr, Redacción COPE Gran Canaria, La Sexta Barcelona.