Politics · Spain · 5 hrs ago
Sánchez faces left-wing discontent ahead of Spain's snap election
Pedro Sánchez is trying to rally Spain's left-wing voters ahead of a snap election on November 29.
His Socialist Party is campaigning while voters voice anger over housing, public services and other government policies.
The eviction and later death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal helped spark protests, including a general strike that unions said drew more than three million people.
Polls put the Socialists at 26% to 29%, with little change since Sánchez called the election.
Left-wing parties failed to agree on a united platform, leaving dissatisfied voters to choose among the Socialists, smaller parties or abstention.
A conservative and far-right alliance is seen as the likeliest next government if the polls do not shift.
Sánchez is taking the lead in the campaign, which began in Seville, and the Socialists plan to present their election programme on Sunday.
The election will decide whether voters return the Socialists or shift power to the right.
Pedro Sánchez is trying to rally Spain’s left-wing voters ahead of the November 29 snap election, but interviews and polls suggest many are disillusioned with his government.
Housing concerns have driven protests, including a general strike that unions said brought more than 3 million people onto the streets.
Voters and activists cited concerns including housing, public education, healthcare and government policies.
Polls cited by the Straits Times put support for Sánchez’s Socialist Party at around 26% to 29%.
The PSOE is campaigning to mobilise progressive voters, while talks among left-of-centre parties to form a united platform have broken down.
- Who
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his Socialist Party are seeking support from Spain’s left-wing voters.
- What
- Sánchez faces discontent among potential supporters ahead of a snap election.
- When
- The election is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
- Where
- Spain, including campaign events in Seville and Madrid.
- Why
- Many left-wing voters are dissatisfied with the government and the status quo, including over housing, education and healthcare.
Sánchez and the PSOE
Disillusioned left-wing voters and activists
Election strategy
Sánchez and the PSOE
The PSOE says it needs to mobilise progressive voters and presents a PP-Vox government as a threat to social rights.
Disillusioned left-wing voters and activists
Some voters and activists say they are tired of the status quo and are unconvinced by appeals to vote for the PSOE to keep the right out.
Political change
Sánchez and the PSOE
The PSOE is seeking support through the election campaign.
Disillusioned left-wing voters and activists
Some activists argue that voting alone is not enough to bring change.
The eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal and her subsequent death triggered protests against the housing crisis.
Sánchez called a snap election.
Unions said a general strike brought more than 3 million people onto the streets.
Sánchez began the PSOE’s election campaign in Seville.
Sánchez is due to close the campaign at a rally in Madrid.
Spain is scheduled to hold the snap election.
- Election date
- November 29, 2026
- Socialist Party support in polls
- Around 26% to 29%
- Reported turnout at general strike
- More than 3 million people, according to unions
- Campaign opening
- Seville
- Campaign closing rally
- Madrid, November 27
3 sources
What people are saying
Voting isn't enough
We're really tired of so many things
Every generation has its own struggle — for us, that struggle is housing
Is the enemy who kills you slowly with poison preferable to the enemy who kills you with a chainsaw?