Spain calls snap election amid housing crisis

Spain is set to hold a snap election on November 29, following Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's dissolution of the country's Parliament. The decision comes amid a series of escalating crises, including spiralling housing costs, massive migration issues, and corruption allegations against high-ranking officials. The housing crisis, exacerbated by tourism, immigration, and foreign investment, led to the eviction of an 87-year-old pensioner, Maria del Carmen Abascal, sparking protests across Madrid.

Sanchez aims to frame the election as a referendum on housing and social justice, arguing that a progressive majority is necessary to tackle powerful elites and implement social advances. Meanwhile, the conservative Popular Party and far-right Vox are expected to focus on immigration and Sanchez himself, with recent opinion polls showing a surge in support for Vox, currently at around 18%, up from 12.4% in 2023.

Despite the political turmoil, Spain's economy remains robust, with the country projected to grow 2.1% this year and unemployment below 10% for the first time since 2008. However, a cloud of corruption allegations surrounding Sanchez's inner circle, including his wife and brother, adds to the political challenges faced by the prime minister.