Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a snap election scheduled for 29 November following a parliamentary defeat. On Friday, his proposed measures aimed at improving tenant conditions and addressing rising rental prices were narrowly rejected by opposition parties. This outcome indicated that Sánchez's left-wing coalition no longer holds a majority in parliament.
Sánchez's decision to call the election is seen as a strategic move rather than a reactionary one. His government has faced challenges in recent months, including corruption allegations involving former party officials, Santos Cerdán and José Luis Ábalos. Additionally, former Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero has been accused of benefiting from a government airline bailout, which he denies. Sánchez's wife, Begoña Gómez, is also set to go on trial for alleged misuse of funds, which both she and Sánchez deny.
The administration has struggled with a migrant crisis in Ceuta, where over 70,000 migrants arrived in July. Although many have returned to Morocco, the situation has created political difficulties for Sánchez. Protests against the government's handling of the migrant influx have occurred in various Spanish cities.
Despite previously indicating he would serve out the current legislature, Sánchez's government appeared increasingly unstable. The recent public outcry over housing issues has provided a rationale for calling early elections, diverting attention from the migrant crisis and corruption allegations.
Sánchez urged voters to mobilize for a stronger progressive majority to advance social rights and continue transforming Spain. He highlighted that opposition parties, including the conservative People's Party (PP) and far-right Vox, voted against his housing measures, which aimed to prevent tenant evictions and improve rental conditions. Approximately 50 marches advocating for tenant protections took place across Spain on Saturday.
While the housing issue is a significant concern for many Spaniards, polls indicate that the Socialists are trailing the PP. Although the housing topic may energize support among left-leaning voters, maintaining power after the election poses a substantial challenge for Sánchez.