Junts party opposes Spanish housing decree, jeopardizing vote

Junts: Junts is a Catalan separatist centre-right political party in Spain that holds seven seats in the Congress of Deputies. In this news, the party raised last-minute objections to a government housing decree and refused to support it, arguing that measures like eviction bans and rent freezes would reduce housing supply and harm access for low-income residents. This opposition imperils passage of the decree under Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's minority government. David Latona: David Latona is a Madrid-raised German-American journalist who covers breaking news in Spain and Portugal for Reuters, with prior experience reporting on markets in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. He contributed reporting and editing to this article on the Junts party's opposition to Spain's housing decree. His work focuses on political and economic developments in the region. Aislinn Laing: Aislinn Laing is a Reuters reporter who contributed to the coverage of the Spanish housing decree impasse involving the Junts party. She has experience reporting on Iberian affairs, helping document the political negotiations and public protests described in the article. Her input supports the factual account of the decree's uncertain future in Congress. Pedro Sanchez: Pedro Sanchez serves as the Prime Minister of Spain leading a minority leftist government with 147 seats in the 350-seat Congress. The news highlights his administration's reliance on smaller parties, including Junts, to pass legislation such as the housing decree aimed at addressing evictions and rental issues. Sanchez's government faces challenges in securing the necessary support amid a fractured parliament. Victoria Waldersee: Victoria Waldersee is a Reuters journalist who reported on and wrote the story detailing Junts' objections to the Spanish housing measures and related protests in Madrid. She specializes in on-the-ground coverage of Spanish political events, including the housing crisis and parliamentary dynamics. Her reporting captures reactions from activists and the implications for the Sanchez government. Policy Concerns: Opponents argue that proposed rental protections could inadvertently shrink available housing stock. Housing Protests: Demonstrations in Madrid and other cities followed a high-profile eviction, highlighting public pressure for reforms ahead of the vote. Political Fragmentation: Spain's Congress requires cross-party support for legislation due to the minority status of the ruling government.