Pedro Sánchez to approve royal decree-law for housing emergencies

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the Council of Ministers will review and approve a Royal Decree-Law featuring urgent measures to address housing emergencies. Speaking at the ‘Premios Vanguardia 2026’ ceremony held at the Palau de Congressos de Catalunya in Barcelona, Sánchez stated that the upcoming legislation incorporates proposals and initiatives put forward by various parliamentary groups.

Housing Decree Preparation and Parliamentary Appeal

The upcoming legislative package responds to housing pressures, highlighted by the case of Maricarmen, an 87-year-old woman in Madrid who lived in her home for over 70 years. Sánchez noted he took note of the tenant’s video request asking for a dedicated decree to prevent similar evictions. La Vanguardia noted that the administration worked through dialogue and negotiation with parliamentary groups to shape the text. Sánchez called on political forces to demonstrate state sense, political height, and responsibility during congressional validation, framing the protection of homes and lives as an essential matter of humanity rather than a partisan calculation.

Parliamentary reactions to the impending decree remain mixed across parties. Yolanda Díaz, Second Vice President of the Government, stated that her political group demands strong measures targeting investment funds and warned against superficial patches. Meanwhile, opposition and support groupings have outlined distinct conditions. Jordi Turull of Junts indicated his party would support a decree that curtails vulture funds while protecting small property owners from criminalization, and Oriol Junqueras of ERC outlined five specific guarantees including rental caps and suspension of vulnerable evictions. Aitor Esteban of the PNV urged parties to seek a common denominator without pushing maximalist programs.

Did You Know? The annual Premios Vanguardia event, which hosted Prime Minister Sánchez’s announcements, celebrated the 145-year history of the Barcelona-based newspaper La Vanguardia in chronicling local, national, and international events.

Economic Relief and Geopolitical Price Pressures

Alongside the housing decree, Sánchez confirmed that the Council of Ministers will approve a separate package of measures designed to support sectors and vulnerable families most exposed to rising prices. The Prime Minister attributed these cost increases to the illegal war of Iran, warning that the interdependencies of a globalized economy mean geopolitical tensions inevitably affect everyday household expenses like electricity, gasoline, and groceries. Defending the state intervention, Sánchez described true patriotism as protecting workers, industries, and seniors when economic conditions deteriorate.

Defense of Press Freedom and Cultural Recognition

During the Barcelona ceremony, Sánchez also emphasized the foundational role of journalism in pursuing truth, praising La Vanguardia for maintaining editorial rigor in an era of misleading headlines. He warned against the international silencing of press outlets and the closing of newsrooms in established democracies, stating that a free press remains vital to preventing democratic regression. The event also featured recognitions for various cultural, scientific, and social figures, including Sincrotrón ALBA director Caterina Biscari, Eloi Planes and Fluidra, rare disease advocate Noah Higón, Martin Harper and BirdLife International, and musical artists Joan Manuel Serrat and Amaia.

Pedro Sánchez to approve royal decree-law for housing emergencies
Photo: rtve.es

Spanish government plans urgent royal decree on housing after eviction

What is the Spanish government planning to approve regarding housing?
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the Council of Ministers will review and approve a Royal Decree-Law containing urgent measures to address the housing emergency, incorporating input from parliamentary groups.

What triggered recent public urgency around housing policies in Spain?
Public attention intensified following the eviction of Maricarmen, an 87-year-old woman in Madrid who lost the home where she had lived for over 70 years, prompting a video appeal to the government.

What additional economic measures were announced alongside the housing package?
The Council of Ministers will also approve measures supporting vulnerable families and exposed sectors facing price hikes driven by the war of Iran, affecting costs such as electricity, fuel, and daily groceries.

How will parliamentary negotiations shape the implementation of these emergency housing measures in the coming days?