Spanish Congress Advances 'Multirreincidencia' Law with PSOE and Junts Agreement, Despite Progressive Opposition

Legislative Progress on Repeat Offense Law

The Spanish Congress is moving forward with the processing of the 'multirreincidencia' (repeat offense) law, an initiative initially proposed by Junts per Catalunya. This legislative push, which seeks to toughen penalties for individuals committing repeated minor offenses, has gained momentum following an agreement between the Socialist Party (PSOE) and Junts, with significant support from the Popular Party (PP). The law is anticipated to be ratified in the first plenary session of February 2026.

The proposal, which modifies the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Law, was registered by Junts in April 2024 and admitted for processing in September 2024. After months of being stalled, the agreement to accelerate its parliamentary journey was reached in December 2025.

Key Provisions and Objectives

The core objective of the 'multirreincidencia' law is to impose stricter sentences for repeat offenders, particularly those involved in minor thefts. Specifically, it aims to introduce prison sentences of between one and three years for repeated thefts of items such as mobile phones and other electronic devices, even if the value of the stolen goods is less than 400 euros. The current Penal Code already includes harsher penalties for continuous robberies, but Junts's text proposes that a prison sentence be applied if a perpetrator accumulates 'three crimes of the same nature,' with at least one being minor.

Additionally, the law includes a modification to Article 568 of the Penal Code to increase penalties for those who transport fuel destined for 'narcolanchas' (drug boats), a practice known as 'petaqueo.'

Political Alignments and Opposition

The advancement of this law has been a significant point of negotiation and political maneuvering. It was a key demand from Junts as part of their investiture agreement with the PSOE, and its previous stagnation was cited as a reason for a temporary 'rupture' in relations between Junts and the government. The renewed push by the PSOE is seen as an effort to mend these relations.

The agreement in the Justice Commission saw support from the PSOE, Junts, PP, PNV, and Vox. However, the law faces explicit opposition from several progressive partners of the government, including Podemos, EH Bildu, Sumar, and BNG, who have maintained their rejection since the law's initial consideration. ERC initially abstained or reserved its vote, with some members expressing concerns about the political and electoral use of the issue.

Next Steps

Following its approval by the Justice Commission in December 2025, the law is scheduled for debate and ratification in the plenary session of the Congress in February 2026. After passing the Congress, the bill will proceed to the Senate for further review before its final enactment.