Spanish PM Sánchez Calls Early Election After Housing Protests

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called an early general election for 29 November, bringing forward a vote that had been expected by the summer of 2027 after his minority government suffered defeats over attempts to tackle the country's housing crisis.

The announcement follows growing public anger over soaring rents and a series of nationwide housing protests, alongside increasing political pressure on Sánchez's Socialist-led coalition.

In a televised address, Sánchez said he needed "a broader progressive majority" to overcome opposition to his housing reforms and tackle wider problems including inequality, public services and access to housing.

Housing crisis fuels political pressure

Housing has become one of the most pressing political issues in Spain, with protests held in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and other cities.

Tens of thousands of people took part in demonstrations over the weekend demanding stronger protections for tenants.

The protests intensified following the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home in September.

Abascal had lived in the property for more than 70 years. A legal issue allowed her landlord to increase her monthly rent from €500 to €2,650. Although the rent was later reduced to €1,650, the amount remained significantly above her monthly pension.

She was forcibly removed from the property on a stretcher and subsequently taken to hospital.

Her case became a symbol of the wider housing crisis and prompted renewed calls for Government action. Her lawyer has since said she will be able to return to her home.

Government housing measures defeated

Sánchez's minority coalition had attempted to respond to the protests with two decree laws designed to strengthen protections for renters.

The proposals included extending protections against evictions for vulnerable tenants until 2030, extending certain rental contracts and increasing taxes on tourist accommodation.

The Government also proposed restrictions on residential property purchases by investment funds.

A second measure proved particularly controversial because it included automatic renewal of rental contracts, a major demand from tenant organisations.

Opposition parties argued that greater intervention in the rental market could discourage landlords from offering properties and ultimately push prices higher.

People's Party politician Juan Bravo argued that increasing the supply of homes, rather than relying on government decrees, was the way to make housing more affordable.

The measures were defeated in parliament, leaving Sánchez facing growing pressure to demonstrate that his government could deliver its programme.

Sánchez faces wider political challenges

The housing crisis is not the only problem facing the Spanish prime minister.

Sánchez's Socialist Party and junior coalition partner Sumar do not hold a majority in parliament and have relied on support from a range of left-wing, Catalan and Basque parties to remain in power.

His government has also faced a series of corruption controversies.

His wife, Begoña Gómez, was charged with corruption in April following a lengthy investigation. She denies wrongdoing, while Sánchez has described the allegations as politically motivated.

Police also raided the Socialist Party's headquarters in Madrid in May as part of an investigation into allegations involving an operative and an alleged misinformation campaign. The party has denied the allegations.

In June, Sánchez's former transport minister José Luis Ábalos was sentenced to 24 years in prison after being found guilty of involvement in a network that received kickbacks linked to the sale of Covid-19 face masks.

The Government has also faced criticism over its handling of migration, including the Ceuta crisis during the summer.

Conservatives see opportunity

Sánchez has been prime minister since June 2018. His Socialist Party finished second behind the conservative People's Party in the 2023 general election, but the People's Party failed to secure enough seats to govern alone.

Sánchez subsequently formed a coalition and secured support from regional and pro-independence parties.

Current polling has generally suggested that the People's Party could emerge as the largest force in the next election, although it is expected to need the support of the hard-right Vox party to form a government.

People's Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo welcomed the announcement, saying Spanish voters would now have the opportunity to decide the country's direction.

He framed the election as a choice between continued decline and change, while also attacking the Sánchez government over what he described as incompetence, division and corruption.

Spain heads towards November vote

The early election will give Sánchez an opportunity to seek a stronger mandate after struggling to pass key legislation through a fragmented parliament.

For the opposition, it represents a chance to capitalise on concerns over housing, immigration and corruption.

The election campaign is likely to place the cost of housing at its centre, particularly after the protests and the high-profile case of Abascal.

Sánchez will now seek to persuade voters that his Socialist-led government can deliver reforms, while his opponents will argue that years of minority government have produced political instability and failed to address Spain's growing pressures.

With the election set for 29 November, Spain is now heading into a closely watched campaign that could significantly reshape the country's political landscape.