Spain aims to ban evictions until 2030 amid housing protests
The Spanish government has proposed a ban on evictions until 2030 and automatic contract renewals to address the country's housing crisis. These measures follow widespread protests and are currently awaiting parliamentary approval.
Why it matters
It reflects the growing tension between housing affordability and property rights in European urban centers.
The Spanish government on Tuesday (September 29, 2026) approved measures including a ban on evictions until 2030 and the automatic renewal of tenant contracts, a Minister said, following days of nationwide housing protests.
Unaffordable housing has been a running sore for years in Spain, but the outcry over last Wednesday's eviction of 87-year-old Madrid pensioner Maricarmen Abascal sparked national uproar.
Demonstrators have set up around 100 tents in Madrid's emblematic Puerta del Sol square since Saturday night, while tens of thousands of people have protested across the country.
The Socialist-led government raced to finalise a deal with far-left coalition partners Sumar at a key cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
But the measures hang in the balance as the coalition lacks a majority in a heavily fragmented parliament, which must pass them.
Also covering this story
5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
‘Please fight’: How an elderly woman’s eviction put Spain’s housing crisis in the spotlight
Eviction of 87-year-old sparks protests in Madrid over housing crisis
Spain announces new housing measures after protests over 87-year-old woman's eviction
This 87-yr-old evicted woman is living in car: Why Spain is facing a housing crisis
Eviction of 87-year-old sparks encampment protest in Madrid over housing crisis - AP News
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