Spain’s PM Pedro Sanchez calls snap election amid housing crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has set a snap national election for November 29, according to an announcement from his office. The move comes after lawmakers in parliament rejected legislative proposals put forward by Sánchez’s government that were aimed at addressing the country’s housing affordability problems. The rejected measures were described by the government as steps to ease pressure on renters and tackle supply and cost issues, but they failed to secure enough support in the legislature. The parliamentary rebuff, combined with mounting public frustration about housing, prompted Sánchez to seek a renewed democratic mandate. Calling early elections resets the legislative calendar and forces parties to contest campaign themes that include housing policy, economic management and other domestic priorities. For Sánchez, the vote is an opportunity to rebuild parliamentary backing for his agenda; for opposition parties and smaller blocs it is a chance to press their own solutions and try to increase influence in the next parliament. The announcement signals a period of heightened political activity in Spain as parties prepare for a compressed timetable ahead of the November 29 vote. Voters will go to the polls to decide whether the current government should continue with its policy approach or be replaced following the parliamentary impasse over proposed housing reforms.