Pedro Sánchez has called a snap election for 29 November, bringing forward the country’s general election after his minority government suffered a parliamentary setback over housing measures.
Sánchez calls early election
The Spanish prime minister announced the election in a televised address on Monday after consulting ministers and senior Socialist Party figures over the weekend. He said voters must decide the country’s future and argued that his government needs broader support in Parliament.
Sánchez said there was a need to “renew and expand” public support for his government and secure a “much broader progressive majority” capable of advancing pending reforms.
Housing measures rejected
The decision followed the rejection by Congress of two government decrees aimed at addressing Spain’s housing crisis. The measures were voted down by the conservative People’s Party (PP), Vox and the Catalan pro-independence Junts.
The parliamentary defeat came amid growing public anger over housing costs and protests following the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home.
Sánchez attacks political deadlock
In his address, Sánchez described Parliament as deeply divided and criticised opponents who, he said, confuse reaching agreements with betrayal.
He also accused powerful economic and social elites of seeking to influence Spain’s future despite not being elected.
Sánchez said the country was facing a period of major international and domestic tensions and called on voters to decide what role Spain should play in that environment.
The snap election will take place on 29 November.
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