In a recent parliamentary session, the coalition of conservative and far-right parties in Spain, including PP, Vox, and Junts, defeated a decree aimed at extending social protections for families facing eviction. This social shield had been in place since the onset of the pandemic in 2020 and was designed to assist the most vulnerable citizens. The right-wing bloc, which now comprises 177 deputies, argued that the government is conflating different issues and perpetuating support that should be reserved for exceptional circumstances. They claimed that by trying to protect those at risk of eviction, the government inadvertently promotes squatting, a controversial practice of occupying abandoned or empty properties without permission.

The rejection of these measures highlights the increasing polarization in Spanish politics, particularly surrounding housing issues. With the economy struggling and the cost of living rising, evictions have become a pressing problem for many families. The government's efforts to provide support have been met with staunch opposition from the right, who insist that such protections encourage illegal occupations and undermine property rights. This ongoing battle has significant implications for Spain’s social fabric, as more families face housing insecurity amid continued political disagreements.

The outcome of this parliamentary session not only reflects the current political climate but also raises concerns about the future of social safety nets in Spain. As the right continues to assert that protections are veering into the territory of enabling squatting, tensions will likely escalate between the government's desire to protect vulnerable populations and the opposition's insistence on prioritizing property rights. The implications of this division could lead to more families falling into the cycle of poverty and displacement if effective policies are not enacted quickly to address the housing crisis.