Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap general election for November 29, 2026, after his minority government suffered a major parliamentary defeat over emergency measures aimed at addressing the country’s worsening housing crisis.
Sánchez announced the early election on Monday, saying Spaniards should have the opportunity to decide the country’s political direction. The decision comes just days after lawmakers rejected two government housing decrees that sought to improve access to affordable housing and strengthen protections for renters.
The defeated measures included proposals aimed at limiting evictions, regulating temporary rentals and making residential leases easier to renew. Conservative opposition parties, including the People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox, joined the Catalan separatist party Junts in opposing the government’s measures.
The parliamentary defeat came amid growing public anger over housing costs. Rents in Spain have risen sharply over the past decade, while home prices have also increased, making it increasingly difficult for many households to afford suitable accommodation.
Recent protests have placed additional pressure on Sánchez’s government. Public outrage intensified after the eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid, whose case became a symbol of the country’s housing affordability crisis and triggered demonstrations across Spain.
Sánchez is presenting the election as a choice between maintaining his progressive agenda and allowing the political right to take greater control. He has acknowledged that his government has made mistakes but is seeking a stronger mandate to continue its policies.
The election represents a significant political gamble for Sánchez. His Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) has trailed the conservative PP in recent opinion polls, while Vox has continued to gain support. A strong performance by the right could open the door to a PP-led government backed by Vox.
Sánchez, who has been prime minister since 2018, has previously managed to remain in power through difficult coalition negotiations. However, his current minority government has struggled to pass legislation because it depends on support from several smaller parties in Parliament.
Beyond housing, the government is also facing pressure over corruption cases involving people close to the Socialist Party and criticism over its handling of a migration crisis in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta.
The November election will therefore be closely watched both in Spain and across Europe, where Sánchez has emerged as one of the continent’s prominent left-wing leaders at a time of growing support for conservative and far-right parties.
Swifteradio.com
