03.41 - Spain Today News 5 October 2026

🇪🇸 Spain Today News — Daily Summary (5 October 2026)1. Torrential Rains and Record Floods Hit CataloniaA tropical-origin storm system caused severe flooding across Catalonia over the weekend, resulting in two deaths in Barcelona province (Tordera and Montornès del Vallès) and leaving one person missing in Pineda de Mar. Rain gauges in Barcelona recorded unprecedented levels dating back to 1883, with 213 mm at Can Bruixa and 193 mm in El Raval, alongside 248 mm in Granollers. Emergency services managed over 8,100 calls, while firefighters carried out 2,440 interventions. Transport suffered severe disruption, including 385 cancelled flights at Barcelona-El Prat airport. Regional authorities lifted mobility restrictions on Sunday evening as weather conditions improved, shifting focus toward infrastructure recovery.2. Mass Housing Protests and General Strike CallsProtests over housing accessibility extended to more than 50 cities, including Bilbao, Oviedo, Salamanca, Badajoz, and Murcia. Demonstrators demanded rent reductions, an end to evictions, and indefinite lease agreements following the eviction of an 80-year-old tenant and the parliamentary rejection of two housing decrees. Indefinite urban encampments remain active in Madrid's Puerta del Sol—exceeding 2,000 tents—and outside Valencia City Hall. The Tenants' Union is calling for a general strike, while major trade unions (CCOO and UGT) are assessing coordinated labour actions.3. Political Uncertainty and Potential Snap ElectionsPrime Minister Pedro Sánchez is weighing whether to dissolve parliament and call snap elections for 29 November 2026 after opposition from PP, Vox, and Junts defeated key housing decrees. If parliament is dissolved, the government could utilize the 69-member Standing Committee (Diputación Permanente), where government-aligned parties hold a 35-to-34 majority, to re-enact housing measures without requiring support from Junts. Meanwhile, Sumar announced plans to reveal its coalition roadmap and general election candidate on 17 October.4. Migrant Relocation and Security Measures in CeutaPolice and military units relocated 1,100 migrants from an informal camp at Trampolín beach in Ceuta to official reception facilities (CATE), while at least 500 individuals opted for voluntary return to Morocco. The operation involved over 350 officers, armoured vehicles, and naval assets to clear a settlement housing over 3,500 people. In parliament, the Senate will vote on establishing an inquiry commission into July's border crisis, while investigative findings revealed how European far-right groups used fake AI imagery and online campaigns linked to Ceuta for fundraising.