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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez has called a snap general election for November 29<\/strong>, putting his political future on the line as his Socialist government faces mounting pressure over housing, corruption and migration.<\/p>\n The election could mark a major turning point for Spain and potentially end the country\u2019s current Socialist-led government, with opinion polls showing the centre-right People\u2019s Party (PP) holding a substantial lead over S\u00e1nchez\u2019s PSOE.<\/p>\n S\u00e1nchez announced the election on Monday in a televised address, warning voters against a growing far-right movement and urging them to decide what direction Spain should take.<\/p>\n \u201cSpain must decide whether to join the far-right wave or remain a bastion of openness, social justice and environmental responsibility,\u201d S\u00e1nchez said.<\/p>\n The decision comes as housing affordability has become one of the biggest political issues in Spain.<\/p>\n Nationwide protests have erupted over soaring housing costs, rents and evictions, with anger intensified by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal<\/strong>, who had lived in the same Madrid apartment since 1956.<\/p>\n S\u00e1nchez suffered another political setback on Friday when lawmakers rejected two government-backed bills aimed at tackling the housing crisis.<\/p>\n The prime minister is now attempting to turn housing into a central election issue, betting that voters will support his government\u2019s proposed solutions despite growing dissatisfaction.<\/p>\n But the strategy carries significant risks.<\/p>\n Current polling gives the PP around 34 per cent<\/strong>, compared with 26 per cent for S\u00e1nchez\u2019s PSOE<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The far-right Vox is polling at around 18 per cent<\/strong>, meaning the PP could potentially need Vox support to form a government.<\/p>\n The result would represent a dramatic shift in Spanish politics and could bring the country\u2019s Socialist era under S\u00e1nchez to an end.<\/p>\n S\u00e1nchez has survived multiple political crises during his time in office, repeatedly managing to remain in power despite predictions of his downfall.<\/p>\n This time, however, his government faces pressure on several fronts.<\/p>\n Corruption cases have damaged the Socialist Party, while the government\u2019s handling of migration and the continuing crisis surrounding Spain\u2019s North African territory of Ceuta have also generated criticism.<\/p>\n In announcing the election, S\u00e1nchez defended his government\u2019s record since returning to office in 2023.<\/p>\n He pointed to Spain\u2019s strong economic growth, record employment and major investment in renewable energy.<\/p>\n S\u00e1nchez also highlighted his increasingly prominent international role, particularly his criticism of US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the wars in Gaza and Iran.<\/p>\n But the prime minister acknowledged that economic growth has not necessarily translated into improved living standards for ordinary Spaniards.<\/p>\n Inflation, rising housing costs and stagnant purchasing power continue to weigh heavily on households.<\/p>\n The 2025 Iberian power blackout also raised questions about Spain\u2019s energy infrastructure, while the migration crisis in Ceuta has added further pressure on the government.<\/p>\n S\u00e1nchez admitted that his government had made mistakes and had not achieved everything it had promised.<\/p>\n He argued, however, that a fresh mandate would allow his government to pursue deeper reforms, particularly in housing and public services.<\/p>\n The election also comes at a difficult moment for the parties to S\u00e1nchez\u2019s left.<\/p>\n His Socialist Party has relied on support from smaller left-wing parties to maintain its coalition, but those forces are now struggling to regroup.<\/p>\n Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda D\u00edaz has announced that she will not seek re-election, leaving the Sumar alliance searching for new leadership.<\/p>\n The group is expected to unveil its new leadership structure on October 17 as it prepares to relaunch as the Broad Front<\/strong>.<\/p>\n It remains uncertain whether the project can unite Sumar with Podemos and other figures from Spain\u2019s fragmented left.<\/p>\n With the PP leading the polls and Vox polling strongly, S\u00e1nchez now has less than two months to convince Spanish voters that his government deserves another term.<\/p>\n Spain will vote on November 29.<\/strong><\/p>\nHousing crisis puts S\u00e1nchez under pressure<\/h3>\n
Polls point to conservative victory<\/h3>\n
S\u00e1nchez highlights economic record<\/h3>\n
Spain\u2019s left faces a major challenge<\/h3>\n