Spanish government loses first of 2 Parliamentary votes to ratify emergency housing measures

On Friday in Madrid, the Spanish government suffered a defeat in the first of two parliamentary votes required to ratify a package of emergency measures designed to address the nation's housing affordability crisis.

The legislative setback occurred as lawmakers convened amid demonstrations outside the parliament building, where protesters marched to demand government intervention and relief for struggling renters.

The failure to ratify the emergency housing decrees stems from opposition by the Catalan separatist party Junts, making the government's defeat likely as the legislative process continues.