Spanish parliament passes housing measures after general strike

Spain’s interim lower house has approved a package of housing measures aimed at limiting evictions and property speculation, a day after a nationwide general strike and protests over housing costs. The vote gives the left-wing government a policy win, but the measures’ future is uncertain ahead of a snap election on 29 November.

The decree passed by 35 votes to 34 in a 69-member chamber. It extends eviction protections for tenants in precarious circumstances when regional authorities cannot provide alternative accommodation; a separate decree was rejected, including a proposal for automatic tenant contract renewals sought by housing activists. The opposition Popular Party has pledged to repeal the approved measures if it takes power.