Overview
- Moncloa initiated the processing of a real decree agreed with Podemos to grant extraordinary regularization to roughly half a million people already living in Spain.
- The measure does not require prior parliamentary approval, which the government frames as a humanitarian step that can also ease talks over Catalonia’s immigration competences with Junts.
- PP and Vox denounced the plan as a call factor for irregular arrivals and said they are preparing legal challenges, with Vox signaling coordination with European allies.
- Congress rejected the government’s omnibus social decree that included pension revaluation after PP, Vox and Junts voted against it, prompting efforts to separate items for a second vote in February.
- The government approved a €300 million reinforcement of the rent non‑payment insurance and secured the extension of public transport discounts, while storm Kristin triggered nationwide weather alerts and travel disruptions with officials urging people to avoid nonessential journeys.