Spain's Progressive Coalition Strikes Blow Against Housing Injustice with Eviction Ban Until 2030
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The Spanish cabinet has unveiled a transformative package to combat the housing crisis, including a decade-long eviction ban, strict regulation of exploitative short-term rentals, and longer lease protections, following mass protests over the forced removal of an elderly tenant.
Spain's coalition government announced Tuesday a breakthrough in housing reform, responding to the outcry over the eviction of 87-year-old pensioner María del Carmen Abascal in Madrid—a glaring example of the cruelty inflicted by profit-driven real estate interests. Health Minister Mónica García, representing the progressive Sumar party, confirmed the draft legislation will impose a ban on evictions until 2030, clamp down on predatory short-term rentals, and extend existing leases by two years, marking a decisive intervention against housing speculation.
"It’s time to intervene in the speculative housing market and begin to rebalance the scales between citizens and vulture funds," García declared on X, signaling a long-overdue reckoning with corporate landlords.
While these measures still require parliamentary approval, the minority government led by Pedro Sánchez is pushing forward, seeking solidarity from other parties to defend the right to housing. Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez is set to present the proposal at a press conference, underscoring the government’s commitment to social justice.
This legislative push comes after powerful protests erupted when images circulated of Maricarmen—who had lived in her Retiro-district home since 1956—being forcibly removed after years of legal battles with a real-estate company. Outraged citizens occupied Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, demanding an end to evictions and the commodification of homes.
Abascal’s lawyer, Beatriz Duro, welcomed the agreement, stating it would allow her client to return home and expressing hope that this new framework will finally shift Spain away from a housing system rigged in favor of the wealthy.