Spain's seven emergency decrees hinge on PNV vote

Seven emergency decrees face a knife-edge vote in Madrid on 18 November: the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) can decide which survive. Congress president Francina Armengol has called the vote for 9:00 at Spain’s Congress. Its Permanent Deputation is the only parliamentary body still working after elections were called and parliament was dissolved.

Why one vote matters

The 69-member body is split down the middle. PSOE, Sumar, ERC, Bildu and Podemos hold 34 votes between them. PP, Vox and Junts also hold 34. The PNV’s vote would give either side the 35 needed for a majority.

Thursday’s votes on two housing decrees showed the difference it can make. The PNV backed one, which passed, then joined PP, Vox and Junts to defeat the other. Emergency decrees take effect when published in Spain’s official state gazette, but Congress must vote within 30 days to keep or repeal them.

Aid, rail safety and care payments

The seven decrees include €45.32 million in direct grants for Ceuta after a large number of migrants arrived in late July. Another covers damage from flooding and other effects of storm DANA Adam between 17 and 19 October 2026, including measures for farming, repairs and businesses.

Two follow the rail tragedy at Urda in Toledo province. One sets payments of €2,404 to €84,141 for deaths and injuries and includes limits on excessive transport prices during emergencies. The other addresses rail safety, train-driving hours and protection for rail staff.

Three more cover social support. One would allow time off work for menopausal disorders or injuries caused by gender-based violence. Another sets out protections for single-parent families. The last sets minimum monthly care payments at €90, €260 or €660, depending on the level of need. Whether those measures remain in force now rests on Wednesday’s vote.

Topics: Social affairs · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com