Spanish PM Sánchez calls early election after housing protests

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Monday that he will be calling an early election for November 29th in response to recent setbacks in legislation aimed at tackling Spain's housing crisis. The government's push for housing reform was thwarted when parliament rejected two decree laws they had proposed to shield tenants from soaring rental prices.

This move has sparked widespread protests across the country, particularly after an 87-year-old woman was evicted from her home due to an unexpectedly high rent increase.

In a televised address, Sánchez stated that to successfully implement reforms, he needs a "broader progressive majority" capable of overcoming "the resistance of the elites." Housing issues are not the only concern weighing on Sánchez's leadership; his Socialist party has been embroiled in corruption scandals and is facing pressure over other cost-of-living concerns and immigration policies.

Sánchez admitted that his party has "made mistakes" and that there are still "a lot of problems to solve," particularly in areas of inequality, public services, and access to housing.

Sánchez's left-wing coalition government, comprising his ruling Socialist party and the junior partner Sumar alliance, currently does not hold a majority in parliament. Spain's next general election is not scheduled until the summer of 2027 at the earliest. Sánchez has been in office since June 2018, and his Socialist party finished second in the last election held in 2023, despite the conservative People's Party securing the most seats.

To maintain his position, Sánchez struck deals with left-wing parties and garnered support from Catalan and Basque nationalist and pro-independence groups.