Sumar's Lara Hernández defended the party's boycott tactic at the Council of Ministers, which led to the approval of a housing decree extending rental contracts and capping increases at 2%, published amid the Iran war's energy shock. Junts vowed opposition, calling it harmful to small owners.
Following the Spanish government's approval of two royal decrees on Friday, March 20, 2026—covering energy tax cuts and housing measures—the texts were published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) on Saturday. The housing decree, secured after Sumar's pressure delayed the Council, extends ongoing rental contracts up to two years (until December 31, 2027) under prior conditions and caps annual increases at 2%.
At Sumar's Coordinating Group meeting on Saturday, coordinator Lara Hernández praised the outcome: “Without Sumar there is no progressive coalition government, what there is are tax cuts, pro-landlord policies, gifts to Repsol and turns to the right.” She called for making the measures permanent and rejecting speculation. Culture Minister and spokesperson Ernest Urtasun urged calm negotiation for congressional validation and parliamentary mobilization.
Junts, whose seven votes are crucial in Congress, announced rejection of the housing decree. General Secretary Jordi Turull stated from Viladecavalls (Barcelona): it “asphyxiates small owners” and is “pure posturing,” as “they know Congress won't approve it later.” He demanded the government cover social costs and support middle-class relief.
Sumar also approved a roadmap including an assembly post-Andalusian elections, a new young spokesperson, and alliances with IU and Más Madrid. Ministers Yolanda Díaz and Urtasun participated remotely.
