The general strike for housing and decent wages arrives this Wednesday at workplaces and the streets of Spain. A day later, its demands will have a first appointment in Congress. The Permanent Deputation will vote this Thursday on the two housing decrees approved by the Government after the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, whose story triggered the protests that have led to the 11N strike.
The vote comes on the eve of the start of the campaign for the general elections on November 29 and with a different result for each text. The decree that brings together most of the measures has the announced support of the PNV, decisive to reach 35 votes against 34 from the PP, the far-right Vox and Junts. The second, which establishes compensation for certain tenants when the owner communicates that they will not renew the contract, still does not have a majority.
The first assessment of the strike already reflects an uneven mobilization by sectors and territories. CCOO and UGT have highlighted the follow-up of night shifts and, according to their data, the strike has reached 90% in the automotive industry and ports. These are provisional figures provided by the unions, which did not yet include the impact on sectors such as commerce or administrations. During the afternoon, demonstrations are called in numerous cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville.
The PNV will give the majority to the decree that protects tenants
The text with the most support allows certain tenants to request an extraordinary extension of up to two years if their contract expires under the assumptions provided by the norm. Among the requirements is being up to date with payments. It also contemplates, under certain conditions, the suspension until the end of 2030 of evictions affecting vulnerable people without housing alternatives.
The decree establishes limits on certain housing purchases by funds and large holders when the price is less than 70% of the market value. It includes exceptions and financing measures, among them the 'Tu Casa' program, with loans of up to 50,000 euros to acquire a first home, and a fund of 400 million to promote affordable housing in collaboration with social entities.
The vote will be close because elections have already been called and the Cortes are dissolved. The Permanent Deputation, which assumes this function until the new Congress is constituted, brings together 69 deputies. PSOE, Sumar, ERC, EH Bildu, and Podemos add up to 34 representatives, the same as PP, the far-right Vox, and Junts. The PNV's vote will tip the balance if the announced positions are maintained.
Compensation for not renewing the rental agreement remains in the air
The second decree affects the stability of rental contracts. After at least five years, or seven if the owner is a company, the norm provides for new extensions if neither party communicates that they want to terminate the contract. If the landlord validly communicates that they do not wish to extend it, they must compensate the tenant under the terms set by the decree.
The amount is calculated based on twelve monthly payments or one for each year of residence, applying the greater amount. The text details what value should be used for this calculation and contemplates specific conditions for certain contracts. The PNV has already announced that it will vote against it, as it did when Congress examined the previous proposal.
The fall of the first two decrees, on October 2, preceded the early election announced by Pedro Sánchez. At that time, the PP, the far-right Vox, Junts, and UPN voted against both texts. The PNV and Coalición Canaria also rejected the compensation one. After dissolving the Cortes, the Government approved two new norms with modifications and sent them to the Permanent Deputation.
This Wednesday's strike once again puts pressure on administrations and parties before that vote. The Confederation of Tenants' Unions demands a more ambitious intervention to lower rents and curb speculation, while CCOO and UGT also demand wage increases and the unblocking of negotiations with employers. In Madrid, the demonstration will depart at 6:00 PM from Atocha.
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