Sanchez Calls Snap Election for Nov. 29 After Housing Defeat

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Monday the dissolution of parliament and a snap general election for November 29. The decision follows Friday's parliamentary defeat where two housing decrees were rejected by a coalition of the conservative PP, far-right Vox, and Catalan separatists Junts. The first decree fell 178 to 172; the second 184 to 166.

Sanchez informed King Felipe VI before convening an extraordinary Cabinet meeting to formalize the dissolution. He framed the election as a choice between progress and an "ultra-right wave," arguing a wider majority is needed to pass reforms blocked by current parliamentary arithmetic.

“To do more, we need to renew and expand the people's support to undertake pending reforms in depth.”

The crisis was triggered by mass protests over the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal in Madrid, which sparked a campsite at Puerta del Sol. Sanchez admitted his government made "errors" and failed to achieve all goals, but highlighted economic growth and reduced inequality as achievements.

Key ministers Felix Bolaños, Oscar Puente, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, Carlos Cuerpo, and Chief of Staff Diego Rubio formed the core advisory group over the weekend. Notably, former PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero was excluded from these deliberations, unlike in 2023.

The electoral calendar begins officially on October 6 with the BOE publication. Parties have until October 16 to register coalitions and until October 26 to submit candidate lists. The campaign starts November 13.

Left-wing parties have announced a "Broad Front" alliance launching October 17 to consolidate the progressive vote. Sanchez urged mobilization, stating "now it depends on you" to secure a majority capable of tackling housing and social rights.