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Spain’s government dealt a blow after parliament rejects housing measures amid protests
On Friday, the Spanish Parliament rejected a package of emergency housing measures aimed at tackling the nation's affordability crisis, dealing a costly legislative defeat to Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez despite his last-gasp appeal to lawmakers.
Legislators faced mounting public pressure following the televised eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal in Madrid last week, which sparked sustained protests and a camp-in occupying the city's main square.
The Catalan separatist party Junts joined the Popular Party and Vox in voting against both decrees, even as Housing Minister Isabel Rodr argued the ministry had incorporated 90% of their proposals.
Protester Carla Cremonte, a 34-year-old office worker, said right-wing parties voted against workers' interests in Spain, warning that activists would continue fighting with "the atmosphere is one of a general strike."
The setback sparked media speculation that Sanchez could call early elections for next year, while average rents in Spain have nearly doubled over 10 years, reaching €15.1 per square meter this year.
The rejection of two government decrees in Parliament intensifies political pressure on the Spanish prime minister - The housing crisis is in focus - Early elections may be held in November