• Spain's government announced a potential ban on evictions until 2030.
• Measures also include the automatic renewal of rental contracts.
• Protests erupted after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal.
• Hundreds camped in Madrid's Puerta del Sol, demanding reform.
• The ruling coalition faces challenges in securing parliamentary support.

The coalition government of Spain announced new housing measures aimed at addressing the ongoing housing crisis, primarily triggered by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal. Among the proposed reforms is a potential ban on evictions until 2030, aimed at providing relief to millions of affected residents, according to Reuters and BBC.

Further details of the reforms include the automatic extension of rental contracts until 2028 and stricter regulations on short-term and room rentals, which are expected to balance the interests of tenants against investment firms known as "vulture funds." Health Minister Mónica García noted, "It is time to intervene in the speculative housing market," highlighting the government's response to public pressure resulting from protests, reports Le Monde and Reuters.

The protests intensified after Abascal's eviction from her home, which triggered outrage and led to the establishment of an encampment in Madrid's Puerta del Sol, with supporters demanding legal reforms. Protesters have stressed the necessity for protections for “ordinary citizens,” as echoed by opposition politician Míriam Nogueras, who criticized the government's approach to small landlords, according to BBC and Le Monde.

Despite the supportive rhetoric from health officials, the coalition government faces challenges as it needs to secure parliamentary approval for these measures in a fragmented legislative environment. The minority government has 30 days from the publication of the decree to negotiate support from other parties, which can be a complex process, as noted in multiple reports, including Reuters and BBC.