Spain’s Sánchez calls early election for Nov. 29 after housing crisis defeat

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced early elections for Nov. 29 after his government suffered a legislative defeat last week on emergency housing measures, the Associated Press reports.

Right-wing opposition parties joined forces to block two emergency decrees in Parliament aimed at reducing evictions and real estate speculation. The setback followed protests across Spain over housing affordability, fuelled by outrage over the televised eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid last month.

In a televised address on Monday, Sánchez said, “The time has come, therefore, for the Spanish people to decide what future you want for yourselves and for your country.”

Sánchez, 54, has led Spain since 2018. He heads a minority coalition with the left-wing Sumar, but relies on smaller parties to pass legislation. He also faces legal cases involving his Socialist party, his wife and his brother, who both deny wrongdoing.

He will face Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, who said: “At last, the Spanish people will decide. These aren’t elections like the previous ones. This is about Spain beating Sánchez.”

The Cabinet must approve the formal dissolution of parliament later Monday.