Spanish Prime Minister calls snap election after parliament votes down housing relief bill

UPDATE - follow-up to Spain's Prime Minister calls early election after housing crisis defeat: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called a snap general election for November 29 after parliament rejected his minority government's housing relief measures. The vote on Friday defeated decree laws meant to protect tenants by automatically renewing rental contracts and restricting the eviction of vulnerable people. The Catalan separatist party Junts voted against the bills, arguing they were rushed and would worsen the housing crisis.

Nationwide Protests

Tens of thousands of protesters marched on Saturday in cities including Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona to demand affordable housing. The demonstrations followed the September 23 eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid flat where she had lived for decades. An investment company had sought to raise her rent from €500 to €2,650, though a subsequent deal allowed her to return at a lower rent.

Political Pressure

Mr. Sanchez, in office since 2018, said in a televised address on Monday that he needs to renew and broaden public support to secure a progressive majority. The general election was originally due by August 2027. His administration has operated under its 2023 budget for years while facing pressure over corruption scandals involving close associates, migration issues in Ceuta, and high inflation outpacing wages.

Opposition Reaction

Opposition Popular Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo welcomed the announcement, stating that Spaniards would finally get to decide. Opinion polls suggest the conservative party leads the Socialists but would likely need support from the far-right Vox party to form a government.

Context

Spain's housing affordability crisis has worsened over the past decade as average rents nearly doubled and asking prices rose by about 90 percent. Minority governments in parliamentary systems often call early elections when key legislative defeats block their core policy agenda and they seek a fresh mandate to break political deadlocks.