Southern Europe politics · October 2026

In Madrid in October 2026, the regional government and the central government are in dispute over the encampment at Puerta del Sol. The regional government accuses the central government's delegate in Madrid of inaction and says the delegate is unfit to handle the situation. A legal appeal by Madrid to clear the camp warns of possible vandalism and looting offences. The central government is demanding 1.7 million euros in rent from regional premier Ayuso for an occupied building of the Superior Court of Justice of Madrid, and Ayuso has filed a complaint against the central government's delegate. Meloni visited the Genoa boat show, where the mayor was not invited on stage. Podemos and PNV support leaves the housing decree in the hands of Junts. A Catalan language requirement for workers applies in a Mallorca town. Meloni said the EU should have a stronger voice in international crises, and the EU rejected her request for extra flexibility.