Spain’s government approved 21 urgent measures on Tuesday to address the housing crisis, including a new tax on seasonal rentals and the creation of a 10 billion euro fund to provide loans for first-time homebuyers. The steps come after violent protests in Barcelona and nationwide demonstrations sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid last month, according to fortune.com.
The approved measures aim to facilitate renting and buying homes, extend eviction protections for vulnerable residents, regulate room rentals, and prohibit speculative real estate purchases. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing evictions like that of María del Carmen Abascal, whose case triggered the protests. The fund will offer loans of up to 50,000 euros and construction subsidies to support homebuyers, the report said.
These actions follow a recent legislative defeat when Sánchez’s coalition lacked a majority and saw emergency decrees addressing the housing crisis voted down by right-wing opposition parties. The government had called for an early election on November 29 after the setback. The new tax on seasonal rentals and other measures reflect Spain’s effort to curb housing speculation and ease access to affordable housing amid growing public unrest.
The 10 billion euro fund will be a key tool in the government’s strategy, providing financial support to first-time buyers and promoting housing construction. Sánchez announced the measures at the Presidential Palace, underscoring the urgency after the recent protests and evictions that have heightened tensions across the country.