Spain's prime minister calls early election after parliament rejects housing reforms

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a general election for November 29, 2026, about one year earlier than planned. He made this decision after parliament voted down two laws to protect renters.

The housing crisis has become a major issue for many Spanish voters. In September, an 87-year-old woman named Maricarmen Abascal was forced to leave her Madrid home. Her landlord raised her rent from €500 to €2,650 a month. A legal loophole allowed this. Even after the rent was reduced to €1,650, it was still €300 more than her monthly pension.

Her eviction brought tens of thousands of people onto the streets in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. They demanded better protections for tenants.