Spanish PM Sánchez loses key housing crisis vote after eviction of woman, 87

Spain's Congress has rejected a series of measures aimed at tackling the country's housing crisis, in a defeat for the government of Pedro Sánchez that increases pressure on him to call a snap election.

Lawmakers voted on two decree-laws presented by the government in response to nationwide protests that have followed the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, from her home.

The decrees, which introduced a series of initiatives aimed at protecting tenants in the rental market, required parliamentary approval in order to remain in place.

MPs rejected the first decree by 178 votes to 172 and voted against the second by 184 to 166.

Hundreds of demonstrators had gathered outside Congress as the debate took place and there were angry scenes.

Protesters chanted "shame on you" and "your profits, our misery", after the results were announced.

The government's defeat underlines the fact that Sánchez, a Socialist, does not command a congressional majority and it has heightened speculation that he might call an early general election, which was not due until next summer.

Sources told Spanish media that the government would spend the weekend deciding its next step, and whether to dissolve parliament.

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