Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called an early general election for November 29, bringing forward a vote that was originally expected in 2027 as his minority government struggles to pass legislation.
Sánchez announced the decision on Monday, October 5, following the rejection of government measures aimed at addressing Spain’s housing crisis. The parliamentary defeat came amid large protests over rising housing costs and highlighted the difficulties facing his fragmented coalition.
The prime minister said he wanted voters to give his Socialist-led government a broader progressive majority that would allow it to pursue its social and economic agenda. He also acknowledged that his administration had made mistakes and fallen short of some campaign promises.
The election is a major political gamble for Sánchez. Opinion polls have generally placed the conservative People’s Party ahead of his Socialist Party, with a potential alliance involving the right-wing Vox party seen as a strong possibility.
Sánchez has remained in power through a series of difficult parliamentary alliances, but his government has struggled to secure support for major legislation. Spain has also failed to approve a new national budget since 2023.
The November election could therefore determine whether Sánchez secures another term or whether Spain moves towards a conservative-led government, potentially with Vox playing a central role.
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