Spain's Sánchez Calls Snap Election for November 29 After Housing Protest Defeats

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that Spain will hold an early general election on November 29, following a series of parliamentary defeats on measures aimed at tackling the country's housing crisis. The surprise move comes after weeks of mounting pressure from opposition parties and widespread protests across major cities over skyrocketing rents and mortgage costs.

Sánchez's government had proposed a series of reforms, including rent caps and increased social housing, but these were blocked in parliament by opposition parties. The housing crisis has become a flashpoint in Spanish politics, with thousands taking to the streets in Madrid, Barcelona, and other cities demanding urgent action. Sánchez, who has led a minority coalition government since 2020, said the election would provide a clear mandate to address the crisis. 'We need to give the people a voice to decide the future of our country,' he stated in a televised address.

The early election adds a new layer of uncertainty to Spanish politics, with polls suggesting a tight race between Sánchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) and the conservative People's Party (PP). The outcome could have significant implications for Spain's role in the European Union and its economic recovery. Opposition leaders have welcomed the election call, accusing Sánchez of failing to deliver on housing and other key issues. The campaign is expected to focus heavily on housing, inflation, and regional tensions.