Episode Details

🇪🇸 Spain Today brings you the key news from Spain on 28 September 2026:1. Emergency Housing Decree Under High Political TensionPrime Minister Pedro Sánchez is working against the clock to present a real decree-ley on housing at Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, urging parliamentary groups to make a "final effort" for its approval. The political push follows widespread outrage over the eviction of 87-year-old Mari Carmen in Madrid, who publicly appealed to Sánchez to enact protections against vulnerable tenant evictions.Governing partner Sumar has threatened to boycott Tuesday's Cabinet meeting if the decree fails to aggressively target vulture funds and speculative rentals. Meanwhile, key parliamentary allies including Junts, ERC, and PNV have conditioned their support on specific measures ranging from landlord tax incentives to rent caps and eviction bans. Public pressure remains intense as thousands continue an encampment at Madrid's Puerta del Sol.2. Social Shield Extended to Counter Economic Impact of Iran WarThe Cabinet will approve a new extension of the social shield package on Tuesday to cushion households and businesses against rising fuel and energy costs triggered by the war in Iran. Total spending on economic relief initiatives since March has reached €10 billion.With current fuel tax discounts (20 cents/liter for diesel and 5 cents/liter for gasoline) set to expire on 30 September and inflation reaching 4.3% in August (projected at 4.9% for September), the extension aims to protect vulnerable groups and energy-intensive sectors.3. Constitutional Court Clears Friendship Treaty Ahead of Macron VisitFrench President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Spain on 29–30 September for a state visit featuring bilateral talks at Moncloa with Pedro Sánchez and a gala dinner hosted by the King and Queen.Days ahead of his arrival, Spain's Constitutional Court unanimously validated Article 2.4 of the Franco-Spanish Friendship Treaty. The clause—which permits a minister from one nation to attend side meetings during the other's cabinet sessions—had been stalled in the Senate by the opposition Popular Party. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares praised the ruling and called on the Senate to finalize ratification.4. Chafarinas Islands Report Zero Migrant ArrivalsGovernment officials reported no new migrant arrivals at the Chafarinas Islands following enhanced maritime surveillance and the deployment of the patrol vessel Río Guadiana. Security was heightened following late-July border attempts at Melilla. However, the Spanish Refugee Aid Council (CEAR) cautioned that closing specific entry points forces asylum seekers—many fleeing conflicts in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Sudan—onto increasingly hazardous alternative routes.Follow Spain Today so you don't miss an episode.