Spanish prime minister calls early election after housing reform defeat

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap election for 29 November 2026. He made the announcement on 5 October in a televised speech from his official residence in Madrid.

Sánchez called the early vote after parliament rejected two emergency laws on housing. Right-wing parties voted against the measures, and his minority government did not have enough support to pass them. The election was originally planned for summer 2027.

Spain has a serious housing affordability problem. Protests have spread across the country, including one after an 87-year-old woman was evicted because her rent rose sharply. Sánchez admitted his government had made mistakes.