Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap general election for November 29 after parliament rejected housing measures proposed by his minority government, as nationwide protests intensify pressure over rents and tenant protections.
The election, previously not required until summer 2027, follows the defeat of two decree laws intended to address the housing crisis and comes as opinion polls indicate the conservative People’s Party could emerge as the largest party.
Public anger has grown following the September eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home after a sharp rent increase.
Abascal, who had lived in the apartment for more than 70 years, was removed on a stretcher and later admitted to hospital, although her lawyer has since said she will be able to return.
Tens of thousands demonstrated on Saturday in Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona, demanding stronger tenant protections, with the government saying more than 70,000 people participated in the capital.
The government’s proposed measures included suspending evictions of vulnerable tenants until 2030, extending some rental leases, increasing taxes on tourist apartments and restricting residential purchases by certain investment funds.
A second decree included automatic renewal of rental contracts, while opponents argued stronger intervention could reduce rental supply and push prices higher.
Average rents have nearly doubled over the past decade, while asking prices for homes have risen about 90 percent, according to Idealista.
Sánchez said his government needed renewed public support and acknowledged mistakes and unmet commitments as he sought a broader progressive majority in parliament.
His coalition, comprising the Socialist Party and Sumar, lacks a parliamentary majority and has relied on support from other left-wing parties and Catalan and Basque nationalist and pro-independence groups.
Most opinion polls indicate the People’s Party is likely to finish first, though it could require support from the hard-right Vox party to govern.
People’s Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo welcomed the election, presenting the vote as an opportunity for political change.
Sánchez also enters the campaign after months of pressure involving corruption allegations surrounding figures linked to his party, broader cost-of-living concerns and scrutiny over immigration.
The November vote will determine whether Sánchez, prime minister since 2018, can again assemble sufficient parliamentary support to remain in office.