Housing crisis in Spain: Sánchez faces the challenge of changing his strategy.

The housing market situation in Spain is becoming increasingly critical, and the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, is faced with the difficult task of rectifying a policy that has been deemed failed by numerous analysts and citizens. With the start of a new year, the socialist leader seeks to regain the political initiative that has been threatened by the loss of support from several parliamentary partners and the advancement of judicial investigations that implicate his inner circle. However, the challenge is immense, given the growing social discontent surrounding access to housing. Since Sánchez came to power in June 2018, the conditions for accessing rental housing have drastically worsened. Despite efforts to implement measures that favor tenants, such as price regulation and tenant protection, the reality presents an adverse landscape: the supply of rental apartments has significantly decreased, and prices have reached levels close to historical highs. This has left an increasing number of Spaniards in a vulnerable situation, unable to find affordable housing. The opposition, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has identified housing policy as a key area to criticize the Government, capitalizing on social unrest to bolster its political discourse. Feijóo has urged the regional presidents of the Popular Party to implement measures that liberalize land use and reduce bureaucracy in the housing sector. This approach contrasts with the Government's policies, which have been seen as interventionist and, in many cases, ineffective. In light of this situation, Sánchez's response should be a thorough review of the applied policies. However, his political history suggests that it is more likely the leader will opt to deepen populist measures rather than undertake a radical shift that effectively addresses current issues. His legislative partners, such as Sumar, ERC, and Bildu, have pushed for greater state intervention, which could lead to proposals that further aggravate the situation, such as prohibiting those who already own property from purchasing more. In this context, one of Sánchez's most ambitious proposals has been the creation of a large public housing company, an announcement that has been delayed over time without translating into concrete actions. According to the Ministry of Housing, defining the structure of this entity has taken a year, highlighting the Government's sluggishness in making effective decisions to alleviate the housing crisis. Additionally, the electoral commitment to increase the public housing stock has not borne fruit; of the 184,000 promised apartments, none have been inaugurated to date. The lack of progress in these areas reflects not only an inability to materialize proposals but also a disconnect with the needs of citizens. The "great national alliance" for housing, promoted by Minister Isabel Rodríguez, has proven to be an empty slogan, incapable of translating into tangible solutions. The Government faces mounting pressure for its promises to become realities, and citizens' patience is beginning to wear thin. A reorientation of housing policies is presented as an urgent necessity. Instead of maintaining a confrontational stance with the autonomous communities, which are competent in this area, the Executive should opt for greater cooperation and dialogue. The imposition of laws that limit rental prices in tense areas may generate more problems than solutions, fueling tenant frustration and owner uncertainty. The path toward effective and fair housing policy requires a more pragmatic and less ideological approach. Sánchez must realize that the time has come to rectify his strategy and set aside the populism that has characterized his management in this area. The true solution to the housing crisis in Spain lies in an honest analysis of the causes of the problem and the implementation of measures that benefit both tenants and owners, ensuring a balance that allows access to decent housing for all. In conclusion, time is running out for the Government, and social pressure for an appropriate response to the housing crisis is increasing. Words and empty announcements will not be enough to restore citizens' trust. It is time for Sánchez and his cabinet to take the responsibility that falls to them and act decisively to address the real needs of the population. Housing can no longer be just a topic of political discussion; it is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed to all citizens.