Spanish government proposes eviction ban as woman (87) agrees to return home
The Spanish government has proposed a series of housing reforms, including a ban on evictions until 2030 and restrictions on speculative 'vulture funds.' These measures follow public protests sparked by the eviction of an elderly woman in Madrid.
Why it matters
The proposal highlights the growing political tension in Europe regarding housing affordability and the role of private equity in residential real estate markets.
Spain ’s coalition government said it had agreed proposals including banning evictions until 2030 to address the country’s housing crisis, as an 87-year-old woman whose forced removal last week triggered protests accepted an offer to return home.
Hundreds of people had camped in one of Madrid’s main squares on Tuesday to protest against Maricarmen Abascal’s removal from her home on a stretcher last Wednesday. They are demanding legal reforms including a rent freeze and the automatic renewal of leases without abusive rent hikes.
Health minister Monica Garcia said the ruling Socialists reached an agreement with junior partner Sumar on Tuesday for a set of new measures, including rolling over contracts until 2028 and banning so-called vulture funds from the housing market. However, the minority government faces an uphill battle to secure support in a fragmented parliament.
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