Spain calls early elections for November 29
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced early parliamentary elections for Nov. 29, following the defeat of his government’s housing legislation in parliament.
Sánchez said he had convened an emergency cabinet meeting to dissolve parliament and call the election, arguing that Spain needs a broader parliamentary majority to advance pending reforms.
“We must mobilize and secure a much broader, progressive majority in parliament,” Sánchez said in a televised address from the Moncloa Palace.
The prime minister also acknowledged that his government had made mistakes and failed to fulfill all of its electoral promises, saying some of the social majority that supported his political agenda is now dissatisfied.
Housing crisis fuels political pressure
The housing crisis has become one of Spain’s most prominent political issues.
Sánchez’s decision came days after parliament rejected government legislation that included the automatic renewal of expiring rental contracts.
The issue gained further attention following the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, which triggered protests. Hundreds of demonstrators have camped for days at Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, while tens of thousands marched in Madrid and other Spanish cities on Saturday demanding access to affordable and decent housing.
Corruption cases add to government pressure
Sánchez’s government is also facing political pressure over corruption investigations involving figures close to him and senior members of the Socialist Party.
Recent opinion polls cited in Spanish media have placed the opposition conservative People’s Party ahead of the Socialists, setting the stage for a closely watched election campaign.
A potential alliance between the People’s Party and the far-right Vox is also expected to be a central issue in the campaign. Such a coalition would mark a significant development in Spanish politics, as Vox has not previously participated in the national government since Spain’s return to democracy.
Sánchez seeks another parliamentary path
Despite repeated difficulties, Sánchez has remained in power for eight years without his Socialist Party securing a parliamentary majority.
His governments have relied on shifting alliances, ranging from left-wing parties to regional and separatist groups, allowing him to remain prime minister through successive terms.
The Nov. 29 election will determine the composition of Spain’s next parliament and whether Sánchez can secure the broader parliamentary support he says is necessary to continue his government’s program.
