Spain PM pins hopes on housing crisis to help win snap election

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced his decision to call a snap election for November 29th following a parliamentary defeat earlier in the week. The Socialist Party had proposed a series of measures aimed at addressing tenant conditions and the housing crisis, but these were narrowly voted down by right-wing parties. This defeat marked the first time Sánchez's coalition no longer held a majority in parliament.

Sánchez's government has faced numerous challenges, including a series of corruption cases involving former party officials and allegations against his wife, Begoña Gómez. In addition, the administration struggled to manage the influx of over 70,000 migrants in Ceuta, a Spanish exclave in North Africa, which has become a political headache.

Despite these issues, Sánchez decided to call the election early, as the housing crisis provided him with a fresh issue to campaign on, away from the scandals and Ceuta. He called for his party's supporters and those on the left to mobilize, promising a "much bigger, progressive majority" to defeat the elites and advance social rights.

Sánchez's opponents on the right, such as the People's Party (PP) and Vox, had previously opposed his government's housing measures, which aimed to prevent tenant evictions and improve contract conditions.

The right-wing parties, known for their opposition to any direct intervention in the housing market, argued that such measures could be counterproductive. Although polls showed Sánchez's party trailing behind the PP, the housing issue is the top concern for Spaniards according to recent surveys, making it a more appealing campaign topic for the left-leaning party. However, Sánchez's biggest challenge will undoubtedly be maintaining his position in power after these elections.