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.