What happened
Spain's coalition government has approved a ban on evictions until 2030, following protests over the country's housing crisis. The ban is part of a package of measures that also includes the rolling over of rental contracts until 2028 and stricter regulation of short-term and room rentals.
The measures were announced by Health Minister Mónica García, who said they would bring relief to more than five million people. However, opposition politician Míriam Nogueras criticized the agreement, saying it left small landlords out in the cold.
The protests were sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, from her home in Madrid. Abascal's case is not unique, with many others facing similar struggles due to a housing shortage and soaring rents in Spain.
The government's measures have been welcomed by housing activists, but have raised concerns among some politicians and landlords. The package of measures must be approved by Congress within 30 days, and it is unclear whether it will be passed into law.
