The Spanish parliament rejected two government bills on Friday, following protests against the nation's housing crisis. Demonstrations against the housing crisis took place on Friday, sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman.
The Youth Council of Spain stated that rents have doubled over the last decade. Protesters shouted, "Shame!" during the demonstrations.
The eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from Madrid began on 23 September. However, the investment company that owned Maricarmen Abascal's building reversed her eviction this week.
The bills proposed automatic renewal of rental contracts and measures restricting the eviction of vulnerable tenants. Furthermore, the legislation targeted investment firms that purchase properties at low prices.
The Junts party opposed both measures on Thursday, while the Spanish Tenants' Union called for a general strike. The first bill failed with 178 votes against and 172 in favour, and the second bill failed with 184 votes against and 166 in favour.
Following the defeats, the Junts party requested that the bills be redrafted. David Llamas stated, "We saw this coming, but even if we expected it we are going to have to fight on."
Pedro Sanchez exhorted lawmakers to "forget for a moment political calculations." Pablo Bustinduy asserted that the lawmakers "have made a huge mistake and will pay for this at the polls."
The defeat increases pressure on Sanchez's minority government, and Santiago Abascal suggested that "the sooner elections are held, the better." Sanchez has repeatedly ruled out calling an early vote.
David Llamas stated, "We saw this coming, but even if we expected it we are going to have to fight on."
David Llamas
