Spanish lawmakers ratified the minority government’s energy-saving decree on Thursday, but whether the unpopular measure will help Spain meet its European commitment to cut gas usage by 7% remains to be seen.
Introduced on Aug. 10, the emergency energy savings range from mandatory temperature limits for air-conditioning or heating to turning off lights in public buildings and shop windows. More measures are likely to be announced in September.
Parliament backed the decree by 187-161 votes. The main opposition parties have criticised the measures, that can now remain in force, as improvised, inefficient and harmful for the economy.
