Spain’s coalition government approved two emergency housing decrees on September 29, 2026, implementing a sweeping ban on evictions for vulnerable tenants through 2030. The legislative package, fast-tracked following a week of intense civil unrest, also includes a temporary prohibition on institutional investment funds purchasing residential property.
The measures, which officials have dubbed the “Maricarmen Decree,” come as a direct response to the eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal. On September 23, Abascal was removed on a stretcher from her home in Madrid’s Retiro neighborhood, where she had lived for 71 years. The image of her removal went viral, sparking massive demonstrations and a semi-permanent protest camp in the Puerta del Sol square.
New Protections and Investment Restrictions
The core of the new legislation extends existing protections for vulnerable residents until 2030, a significant expansion from earlier proposals that suggested a 2028 expiration. Beyond the eviction stay, the decree introduces an automatic renewal clause for rental agreements, a measure long sought by the Madrid Tenants’ Union to prevent “silent evictions” through the non-renewal of contracts.
In an effort to curb the influence of institutional landlords, the government has also barred investment funds from purchasing residential real estate in Spain until 2028. This move follows reports that Urbagestion, the investment fund that owned Abascal’s building, had increased her monthly rent from €500 to €2,650 before initiating the legal process to remove her.
Legislative Hurdles and Political Friction
Despite the Cabinet’s approval, the decrees face a precarious path to permanent law. The government has requested an extraordinary session of Congress for Friday, October 2, 2026, to validate the measures. Because the ruling coalition lacks a clear majority, the survival of these protections depends on support from regional parties.
Opposition figures have already raised concerns regarding property rights. Míriam Nogueras, a prominent politician from the Junts party, criticized the agreement for focusing on institutional funds while allegedly leaving small landlords with limited recourse when dealing with non-paying tenants. If the decree is not validated by the legislature within 30 days, the protections could be nullified.
Impact of the Abascal Case
The eviction of Abascal became a flashpoint for a nation already struggling with a deepening housing crisis. Having occupied her flat since 1956, her removal on medical equipment served as a catalyst for tens of thousands of citizens to demand immediate reform.
The upcoming October 2 vote will determine whether the government’s emergency response becomes a cornerstone of Spanish housing policy or a short-lived reaction to a week of social tragedy.
