Spain PM Pedro Sanchez calls snap election after housing setback

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced early elections Monday after his government suffered a bruising legislative defeat last week over emergency measures related to the country's housing crisis.

The election will be held on Nov. 29.

In recent weeks, Spaniards have demanded government action on housing affordability, with protests held in cities across the country. Public anger intensified after the televised eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid last month.

Right-wing opposition parties joined forces to block two emergency decrees in Parliament that included measures to reduce evictions and curb real estate speculation. The setback fueled speculation that Sanchez could bring forward a national election scheduled for next year.

In a televised address, Sanchez said a broader progressive coalition in Parliament would allow Spaniards to tackle the country's biggest challenges.

“The time has come, therefore, for the Spanish people to decide what future you want for yourselves and for your country,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez, 54, has been Spain's prime minister since 2018, making him one of Europe's longest-serving leaders.

He has emerged as one of Europe's prominent progressive leaders, particularly over his positions on migration, his diplomatic efforts to support Palestinians and his criticism of the American and Israeli war against Iran.

Spain has also recorded one of the fastest-growing economies among developed countries in recent years.

At home, however, Sanchez has faced a series of legal cases involving members of his Socialist Party, as well as his wife and brother, who deny any wrongdoing.

He has also faced criticism over a summer border crossing in which tens of thousands of mostly Moroccans entered Spain's North African territory of Ceuta. A humanitarian crisis has continued there two months after the initial influx.

Sanchez has led a minority coalition government with the left-wing junior partner Sumar since 2023. But his reliance on several smaller parties to pass legislation has limited his government's ability to advance its agenda.

Throughout his political career, Sanchez has earned a reputation as a political survivor, repeatedly winning elections in which he appeared likely to lose.

The Socialist leader now faces another difficult contest against the conservative Popular Party, which currently holds the most seats in Parliament and will seek to return to government.

The formal dissolution of Parliament must be approved by the Cabinet, which Sanchez has convened for later Monday.