Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Sánchez Calls Snap Election After Housing Measures Defeated
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has called an early election for November 29.
He did so after parliament rejected plans his government wanted to use to address the housing crisis.
The plans included protecting tenants and limiting some evictions, though reports described the proposals in different ways.
Many people have protested because housing is expensive and hard to find.
Anger grew after 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal was evicted from her Madrid home.
Reports say her new owners later agreed she could return at a low rent.
Sánchez wants voters to give his government more support so it can pass reforms.
Polls mentioned in the reports generally show the conservative Popular Party ahead, so the election could be difficult for him.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a snap general election for November 29 after parliament rejected housing measures proposed by his minority government.
The proposals included tenancy protections and restrictions on evictions; reports also described plans to cap rents and curb real-estate speculation.
Nationwide housing protests intensified after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home; reports said a deal later allowed her to return at low rent.
Sánchez said he wants voters to give his government stronger support and a broader progressive majority, while acknowledging mistakes and unmet promises.
Polls cited in the reports generally put the conservative Popular Party ahead; Sánchez also faces scrutiny over migration and corruption-related cases involving people close to him.
- Who
- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his minority coalition government; voters will choose the next parliament.
- What
- Sánchez called a snap general election after parliament rejected housing measures proposed by his government.
- When
- The election is scheduled for November 29; Sánchez announced it on Monday, October 5.
- Where
- Spain.
- Why
- Sánchez said he wants renewed public support and a broader progressive majority after his government struggled to pass housing measures.
Sánchez and supporters of housing protections
Opposition parties and critics
Housing proposals
Sánchez and supporters of housing protections
Sánchez’s government proposed measures to address the housing crisis, including tenant protections and limits on evictions. Protesters supported action to improve housing affordability.
Opposition parties and critics
Opposition parties voted down the proposals. Junts said the measures were hastily prepared and could worsen the crisis; other reports described right-wing parties as opposing or blocking them.
Calling an early election
Sánchez and supporters of housing protections
Sánchez said voters should renew and broaden support for his government so it can pursue reforms and secure a larger progressive majority.
Opposition parties and critics
The Popular Party had urged an election and said voters should have the chance to choose change. Polls cited in the reports generally favored the right, though the election outcome was uncertain.
- Election date
- November 29
- Announcement
- Monday, October 5
- Parliamentary defeat
- The housing proposals were rejected on Friday, October 2
- Proposed housing measures
- Reports described tenant protections, restrictions on evictions, and proposals to cap rents or curb speculation
- Protest focus
- Housing affordability, with protests following the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home
- Government context
- Sánchez leads a minority coalition and has struggled to secure parliamentary backing for legislation
- Polling
- Reports generally placed the conservative Popular Party ahead of the Socialists
- Other pressures
- The reports cited the Ceuta migrant crisis and corruption-related investigations involving people close to Sánchez
Sources
Spain's prime minister calls early elections as pressure mounts over housing crisis
Spain’s gambler PM Sanchez seeks to defy the odds again on a snap election
Spain’s Sanchez gambles on snap election after housing protests give rare boost
Spain PM Pedro Sánchez calls snap election for November 29 after housing setback: What’s at stake
Spain PM Calls Early Election After Housing Crisis Defeat
