AGP Executive Report

Housing Crisis: Around 20,000 people marched in Madrid to honour Maricarmen Abascal, 87, who died two weeks after being evicted from her home of 70 years. Her death has intensified anger over rents and evictions ahead of Spain’s Nov. 29 snap election. Election Measures: Pedro Sánchez’s government has revived housing decrees including rent caps and temporary eviction protections after parliament rejected them; the measures still require approval by caretaker lawmakers. ERC Divisions: Several Catalan Republican Left parliamentarians say they will not seek re-election, while spokesperson Gabriel Rufián has yet to confirm whether he will lead the party’s Barcelona slate. EU Mission: Spain is expected to contribute personnel to a planned EU mission advising Lebanon’s armed forces, with France and Italy competing to lead the roughly 100-strong deployment. Trade Links: Venezuela secured seafood export agreements at the Conxemar fair in Vigo, including a deal to ship 100 tonnes of seaweed a month to Spain.

Housing Crisis: The death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, evicted from her Madrid home two weeks earlier, has intensified protests and a political blame game. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a snap election for 29 November after housing reforms were rejected; thousands are expected to march in Madrid. Madrid Businesses: Business groups say the protest camp at Puerta del Sol is disrupting access and trade, with some local firms reporting revenue drops of up to 70%. Catalonia: Spain’s Supreme Court lifted the arrest warrant for separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, clearing the way for his return from exile as the election campaign gathers pace. Data Centres: The government plans to tighten rules on energy and water use by data centres before the vote, pursuing a decree without parliamentary approval. Tourism: Holiday rentals will face a new VAT from December, adding another change to Spain’s contested housing market.

Housing Crisis: María del Carmen “Maricarmen” Abascal, 87, has died in hospital two weeks after her eviction from her Madrid home sparked protests across Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez offered condolences as demonstrators renewed calls for action. The crisis is set to dominate the Nov. 29 snap election; the government has revived tenant-protection measures after lawmakers rejected them, and unions have called a nationwide strike for Nov. 11. Tech Investment: Alibaba is in early talks with renewable-energy company Solaria to supply power for a potential Spanish data center. No deal has been reached, but the discussions reflect Spain’s growing appeal as a data-center hub.

Housing and Election: Spain’s government has revived rent caps, an eviction pause and limits on corporate home purchases after Parliament rejected the measures. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap election for November 29. Labour Unrest: Spain’s two largest unions have set November 11 for a nationwide housing-cost strike, the first they have jointly backed in 14 years; other unions must still ratify the date. Migration: Spain and Italy recorded the highest share of unaccompanied children among arrivals in Europe in 2025: 86%, according to a UN report warning of trafficking and exploitation risks. Catalonia: The Supreme Court has lifted the arrest warrant for exiled separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, clearing the way for his return after nine years abroad. Football: Spain beat Croatia 2-1 to complete a perfect four-game international break and extend its unbeaten run to 43 matches.

Royalty & Morocco: Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are set to visit Ceuta and Melilla (Oct 13-15), a move Morocco views as a provocation that could reopen old territorial tensions. Housing & Politics: Spain’s snap election push is tied to the housing crisis, with new urgent measures and tenant-rule battles sparking mass protests and political fallout. Catalonia: Spain’s Supreme Court lifted the arrest warrant for exiled Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, clearing the way for his return ahead of November elections. Sports—Messi: Lionel Messi ended his 21-year Argentina international career with a 3-0 friendly win over Benin, scoring a penalty and adding two assists in front of a packed Monumental. Spain Football: Spain kept rolling in the Nations League, rallying past Croatia 2-1 with a late double from Mikel Merino. EU Migration Data: Eurostat shows Moroccans are the largest group of foreign residents with valid EU permits, with Spain the top destination.

Housing Crisis & Snap Election: Spain’s government approved two urgent housing decrees after parliament rejected earlier measures, restoring eviction protections and adding a €10bn interest-free loan plan for first-time buyers ahead of a 29 Nov snap election; the move follows violent protests in Barcelona after an eviction sparked nationwide anger. Catalonia Politics: Spain’s Supreme Court lifted the arrest warrant for Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, clearing the way for his return as the amnesty ruling is applied to misuse of public funds cases. Economy & Markets: Spain’s IBEX rose as investors digested the election backdrop; eurozone construction activity stayed in contraction, underscoring pressure on housing and demand. Sports—Spain Focus: Luis de la Fuente says he’s monitoring Lamine Yamal’s minutes for Spain’s Nations League clash with Croatia; Valencia captain José Luis Gaya backed new coach Javier Aguirre as he tries to lift the club out of the relegation zone. International Spotlight: Turespaña promotes luxury tourism in India, touting spending of over €3,200 per traveler.

Snap Election Shock: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez has called a snap general election for Nov. 29 after parliament blocked emergency housing measures, with nationwide anger still simmering after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal and fresh protests across dozens of cities. Street Pressure: Barcelona saw clashes between protesters and police as housing costs and evictions keep driving mass mobilisations, while unions push for further action. Eurozone Jitters: Markets are watching Spain’s political risk alongside wider Eurozone bond stress, with reports pointing to renewed fault lines as investors reassess France and other highly indebted governments. EU Politics in Motion: The election timing is also reshuffling plans for MEPs, with legal deadlines shaping who can switch from Brussels to Madrid. Nations League Focus: Spain head to Croatia for a key UEFA Nations League match aiming to keep their perfect run going, with Lamine Yamal again central to La Roja’s attack.

Snap Election Shock: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez dissolved parliament and called a snap general election for Nov 29 after housing decrees were rejected, with protests over the eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid keeping pressure on his minority government. Housing Crisis Protests: Tens of thousands marched across Spain, including clashes in Valencia, as renters demand stronger protections and a general strike. Political Fallout: The vote against the measures came not just from the PP and Vox, but also from Junts, leaving Sánchez with no reliable majority and raising fears of a right-wing coalition. Market Jitters: The election gamble is adding to eurozone nerves, with the euro sliding to a 17-month low amid worries about public finances. Royal Diplomacy: King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia began a state visit to Finland, highlighting Spain’s European and NATO ties. Football & Injuries: England’s international break is again hurting clubs, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa among the latest injury withdrawals, while Real Madrid’s women’s Clasico coverage sparked backlash.

Catalonia Politics: Spain’s constitutional court is expected to clear the last legal hurdle for exiled Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, with a 6 October decision on whether an amnesty law covers misuse-of-public-funds charges—potentially paving the way for his return after nearly nine years. Housing Crisis: Tens of thousands again flooded Spanish streets after parliament rejected tenant protections tied to the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, with protesters demanding a general strike and broader action on rent and social housing. Severe Weather: Torrential storms and floods hit Catalonia, killing people and triggering “danger to life” warnings as Madrid’s INUNCAM monitors conditions. EU Money & Jobs: Spain’s ministers and analysts are pushing for faster, more effective use of EU recovery funds, arguing delays still block productivity gains and the digital/energy transition. Cybersecurity: An international crackdown seized servers and took action against the KillSec ransomware network, including searches across Spain and other countries. Nations League Football: Spain kept rolling in UEFA Nations League play, beating Czechia 3-1 with Lamine Yamal scoring early, while Barcelona’s women thrashed Real Madrid 7-0 in El Clásico.

Housing Crisis Turns Violent: Tens of thousands protested across Spain over rent hikes and evictions after parliament rejected tenant protections, with clashes in Madrid and Valencia as riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets and protesters threw fences. Floods in Catalonia: Torrential rains battered the Barcelona area and pushed north toward Girona, leaving two dead and one missing; authorities issued “danger to life” warnings and urged people to stay indoors. UEFA Nations League: Spain kept a perfect start, beating Czech Republic 3-1 with goals from Yamal, Rodri and Merino, while Scotland and Switzerland also won. Real Madrid Injury Woes: Real’s defensive crisis deepened after Konaté’s injury, leaving Mourinho weighing options including Tchouaméni or academy players. Ronaldo Fallout: Zidane backed Cristiano Ronaldo amid Portugal’s camp controversy, while Ronaldo is set to return to Al Nassr after leaving the national team early. Football Spotlight: Modrić said he felt “ashamed” after Croatia’s record 7-0 loss to England.

Housing Crisis Protests: Tens of thousands of people flooded Spain’s streets on Saturday demanding action on soaring rents and evictions after parliament rejected emergency tenant protections, with Madrid’s Tenants’ Union claiming up to 500,000 and officials citing about 70,000; protests spread to cities including Valencia, where clashes saw police fire rubber bullets and tear gas. Political Fallout: The vote defeat is renewing pressure on PM Pedro Sánchez’s minority government and fueling talk of a snap election. Nations League Football: Spain kept rolling in the UEFA Nations League, beating the Czech Republic 3-1 as Lamine Yamal scored early again, with Rodri and Mikel Merino also netting; England meanwhile thrashed Croatia 7-0. International Spotlight: Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente praised Yamal after his latest goal streak, while the expanded international calendar drew criticism from Netherlands coach Xavi Hernandez. Diplomacy & Trade: Spain’s ambassador met Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif to discuss business, culture, and a pilot football academy in Lahore with La Liga support. Weather Tragedy: Torrential rains in southeast Spain caused severe flooding, killing a 102-year-old woman.

Housing Crisis Protests: Tens of thousands marched in Madrid and dozens of Spanish cities after parliament rejected emergency tenant protections following the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, with organisers claiming up to 500,000 and police citing about 70,000 in the capital; Valencia saw clashes as police used tear gas and rubber bullets. Flood Risk in Madrid: The Community of Madrid activated INUNCAM’s pre-emergency flood plan as AEMET extended warnings for heavy rain—orange in the Sierra (up to 30mm in an hour) and yellow elsewhere (up to 15mm), with storms and hail possible. Tragic Weather Toll: A 102-year-old woman died in flash floods in Madrigueras, Castilla-La Mancha, after firefighters found her home inundated; around 90 people were rescued. Spain Football & Squad News: Spain midfielder Fabián Ruiz left camp for Paris for the birth of his first child and misses the Czech Republic Nations League match; Spain also hosts Czechia as it chases qualification momentum. Real Madrid Pressure: Mourinho is reportedly reshuffling midfield roles to fix build-up issues, while defensive injuries leave Madrid searching for options ahead of Villarreal. International Spotlight: Woody Allen unveiled a new Madrid-set film project backed by €3m in public funding, with shooting starting 5 October.

Housing Crisis Fallout: Spain’s parliament rejected two emergency housing decrees meant to calm protests sparked by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, dealing PM Pedro Sánchez a major blow as Junts, the PP and Vox voted against; protesters gathered outside Congress and fresh demonstrations were planned. Political Pressure: The defeat is fueling talk of an early election, with Sánchez warning lawmakers to act and media reporting growing uncertainty over the government’s ability to pass new budgets. Spain Football Update: Ferran Torres withdrew from Spain’s Nations League squad with a persistent left ankle issue, with Real Madrid’s Carlos Espi called up. International Sports: England face Croatia in the Nations League after injury concerns around Ezri Konsa, who is reported back in training. Culture & Media: Shakira’s Madrid residency concert will be livestreamed globally via Amazon Music on Oct. 3. Everyday Life: Audible/NielsenIQ says Spain has 15.8M podcast listeners, up 4% year-on-year, with sessions averaging about 34 minutes.

Housing Crisis: Madrid’s housing protests keep growing, with 300+ tents in Sol as parliament prepares votes on two decrees—one pushing indefinite rental extensions and another extending some leases, suspending forced evictions until 2030, and tightening seasonal/room-rental rules; Junts has raised last-minute concerns that could derail passage. Economy Watch: Spain slips in economic freedom, staying 53rd out of 184, while public investment remains far below 2009 levels despite EU funds. EU Politics & Migration: Ireland’s EU capital-markets overhaul faces pressure over the “Market Integration and Supervision Package,” while EU home affairs talks in Luxembourg advance plans for migrant return hubs. Ukraine Support: Zelenski tells EU ambassadors Ukraine needs more air defense and sanctions pressure; Spain, Belgium and Poland have started supplying 20mm ammunition. Sports: Real Madrid return to La Liga Oct 10 vs Villarreal; Spain’s Nico Williams withdraws with a thigh injury. Business/Industry: Airbus says Spain workforce support clears the way to end its labor dispute.

Housing & Rent Rules: Spain’s new LAU changes could force landlords (including in the Canary Islands) to pay compensation equivalent to at least 12 months’ rent if they refuse to renew qualifying tenancies, with automatic renewals and stricter notice periods kicking in from 2 Oct. Ceuta Migration & EU Law: Spain is challenging the EU Returns Regulation’s legality and proportionality after the Ceuta crisis, arguing Europe lacks tools for effective returns in exceptional situations. Markets: The Bank of Spain confirmed Euribor closed September at 3.247%, the highest since July 2024, pushing up variable-mortgage costs. Football—Negreira Case: UEFA says it has received a large set of documents from Real Madrid about Barcelona’s payments tied to the Negreira refereeing scandal, as the case heads toward a 2027 trial. Football—Ronaldo Rift: Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s camp after a clash with coach Jorge Jesus, leaving his international future in doubt. Sports & Economy: Eurozone manufacturing PMI rose to 52.9 in September, with Spain moving into positive territory. Airports & Business: Areas won a major Aena F&B tender, adding outlets across Málaga, Gran Canaria and Valencia airports in a deal worth about €900m.

Ceuta Border Row: Spain’s Interior chief Fernando Grande-Marlaska heads back to EU talks in Brussels, pushing for new tools to strengthen border management and improve return options—while warning that a Frontex overhaul could reopen the Migration and Asylum Pact. Ceuta Rights Probe: Amnesty International accuses Spanish forces in Ceuta of violence and ill-treatment of migrants, including claims that some conduct could amount to torture, as many remain without adequate shelter. Italy Tightens Pressure: Italy extends air and sea checks on travelers from Spain for 15 more days, citing ongoing concerns tied to the Ceuta crisis. Brexit Backlash, EU Welcome: France’s Emmanuel Macron calls Brexit the “biggest lie of the last 30 years” and, with Spain’s Pedro Sánchez, signals openness to a UK return to the EU after Andy Burnham floated a possible referendum. Housing Crisis Fallout: Spain moves to ban evictions until 2030 after protests over the eviction of an 87-year-old tenant, with the government racing to pass new housing measures. Sports—Spain in the Spotlight: Spain’s unbeaten Nations League run continues as Lamine Yamal powers a 4-1 win over Croatia.