Tens of thousands of protesters gathered across Spain this week to express their frustration over the failure of the government to pass two major affordable housing decrees. The demonstrations follow a significant legislative setback in parliament, where lawmakers struck down the proposed measures, deepening an ongoing political crisis.

The protests highlight the growing tension between the government and the public regarding the cost of living and access to housing. While the government argued that the decrees were essential to addressing the housing shortage and curbing rising rents, opposition parties and some coalition partners blocked the measures, citing concerns over the specific mechanisms of the proposed reforms.

Al Jazeera reports that the failure of these decrees has exacerbated a days-long crisis, leaving the administration in a precarious position as it struggles to maintain its legislative agenda. The protesters are calling for immediate action to stabilize the housing market, though there is currently no clear consensus on how the government will proceed or whether a revised version of the decrees can be brought back to a vote. The situation remains fluid as political leaders navigate the fallout from the parliamentary defeat.