Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced an early national election for November 29, 2026, following the rejection of his government’s housing relief measures in parliament. The decision comes amid widespread public protests over housing affordability and the eviction of an elderly woman from her Madrid home.
Prime Minister announces early election
Sánchez, addressing the nation on October 5, stated that the election was necessary to secure broader parliamentary support for his minority government. He framed the vote as an opportunity to strengthen a progressive majority in parliament. “To do more, we need to renew and broaden the support of the people,” Sánchez said in a televised address. He acknowledged falling short of campaign promises and noted that part of the electorate was dissatisfied with his government’s performance.
Parliament rejects housing measures
On September 26, parliament voted down two emergency decrees proposed by Sánchez’s government. The measures included automatic renewal of tenancy contracts and restrictions on evicting vulnerable tenants. Opposition parties, including the conservative People’s Party, opposed the proposals, leading to their rejection. The defeat followed days of protests across Spain, sparked by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid apartment, where she had lived for decades. Investment firms had carried out the eviction, fueling public outrage.
Protests escalate across Spain
Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Madrid, Barcelona, and other cities over the weekend of September 27–28, calling for affordable housing and reforms. Protesters established a tent encampment in central Madrid, which grew to over 1,200 tents by the end of the week. Slogans included calls for a general strike, opposition to real estate speculation, and criticism of political leaders. Some protesters accused the government of failing to address the crisis despite its progressive claims.
Housing crisis deepens amid political tensions
Spain’s housing market has seen rental prices nearly double over the past decade, reaching an average of €15.10 per square meter in August 2026. The Bank of Spain estimates a shortage of 700,000 homes, while social housing accounts for less than 2% of the housing stock, according to OECD data. Sánchez’s government has operated under the 2023 budget since its passage, as parliament has failed to approve new spending plans.
Political reactions to the election call
The opposition People’s Party welcomed Sánchez’s announcement of a snap election, with a party spokesperson stating, “At last.” Sánchez framed the vote as a choice between progress and regression, accusing the opposition of blocking solutions to the housing crisis. His Socialist Party trails in opinion polls, but the housing protests have intensified pressure on his government. Sánchez, in office since 2018, has positioned himself as a progressive leader on issues such as Palestinian statehood and multilateralism, despite domestic challenges.
Background: A fragile coalition government
Sánchez leads a left-wing coalition government formed in November 2023, which has faced repeated legislative setbacks. His government has clashed with international figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, while navigating economic and social pressures at home. The housing crisis has become a defining issue, with protests reflecting broader discontent over living costs and economic inequality.