Housing Crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called an early general election for November 29, 2026, bringing forward a national vote that was not otherwise due until next year.

Sánchez announced the decision on Monday after his minority government suffered a major parliamentary defeat over measures aimed at addressing Spain’s worsening housing crisis. He said voters should now decide the country’s political direction and argued that his government needs a stronger progressive majority to continue its agenda.

Housing defeat triggers election decision

The immediate trigger for the election was the rejection last Friday of two government housing decrees in Spain’s Congress.

The measures were designed to address housing affordability and included provisions related to evictions, renters’ rights and real-estate speculation. Opposition from the conservative People’s Party (PP) and far-right Vox, along with support from Catalan separatist party Junts, helped defeat the government proposals.

The parliamentary defeat came after growing public anger over housing costs. Protests have taken place in several Spanish cities, while the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her Madrid home intensified public attention on the country's housing problems.

Sánchez seeks a stronger mandate

In a televised address, Sánchez said Spain needs a broader progressive majority capable of passing legislation and advancing social policies.

The prime minister acknowledged that his government had made mistakes and that some voters were dissatisfied with its performance. He nevertheless presented the election as an opportunity to renew public support for his political programme.

Sánchez has been prime minister since 2018 and has remained in power through a series of difficult parliamentary alliances. His current government has struggled to pass legislation because it depends on several smaller parties to maintain its parliamentary position.

Tough contest expected

The November election is likely to be a major test for Sánchez and his Socialist Party (PSOE).

Recent opinion polling has placed the conservative People's Party in a strong position, while Vox could play an important role in determining whether a right-wing coalition can form a government.

A defeat for Sánchez could therefore end more than eight years of Socialist-led national government and potentially bring the Spanish right back to power.

However, Sánchez has repeatedly managed to remain in office despite difficult political circumstances. His ability to build alliances with smaller parties has allowed him to survive previous challenges, making the outcome of the November vote difficult to predict.

Housing, migration and corruption dominate campaign

The election campaign is expected to focus heavily on housing affordability, but other issues are also likely to shape the vote.

Sánchez's government has faced political pressure over migration, particularly after a major influx of migrants into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta. At the same time, corruption investigations involving figures connected to the Socialist Party have weakened the government's political position.

The government has also faced criticism over its inability to pass a full budget since 2023, highlighting the difficulties created by its fragmented parliamentary support.

Election set for November 29

The election will take place on Sunday, November 29.

Spain's electoral timetable will formally begin after the election decree is published. The campaign is scheduled to run from November 13 to November 27, followed by a day of reflection before voters go to the polls on November 29.

The vote will determine whether Sánchez can secure enough support to continue leading Spain's government or whether the country moves toward a conservative-led administration.

For Sánchez, the decision is a calculated political gamble: he is seeking a stronger mandate at a time when his government is under pressure, while the opposition sees an opportunity to end his long tenure in office.

Source attribution: Reuters, Associated Press, Financial Times, RTVE and EFE.