Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez set a general election for 29 November after parliament rejected housing decrees, a gamble for a minority government that trails in most polls.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called an early general election for 29 November after lawmakers rejected government decrees aimed at the housing crisis. Reuters reported the announcement from Madrid on Monday.
Sanchez leads a minority coalition of the Socialist Party and Sumar. A regular election was not due until the summer of 2027 at the latest. In a televised address he said he needed a broader progressive majority to overcome vested interests and deliver housing measures.
Parliament last week rejected two decree laws intended to protect tenants. BBC News linked the political pressure to protests after an 87-year-old woman was evicted when she could not afford a sharp rent rise.
Reuters described the vote as a gamble: the Socialists trail in nearly every opinion poll, and a defeat would end one of Europe's remaining left-leaning governments. Most polls cited by BBC suggest the conservative People's Party would be the largest party and might need Vox to govern.
People's Party leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo said Spaniards would at last be able to decide. State broadcaster TVE and El Pais reported that Sanchez planned to use a standing parliamentary body to force through the rejected housing decrees before dissolution.
People Sentiments Mixed
- Sanchez said Spain needs a larger progressive majority to overcome vested interests.
- Alberto Nunez Feijoo said Spaniards will at last be able to decide.
- Opposition parties welcomed the early vote, Reuters reported.