Spain’s Pedro Sánchez calls snap election as housing crisis threatens his grip on power

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap general election for November 29, putting his political future on the line as his Socialist government faces mounting pressure over housing, corruption and migration.

The election could mark a major turning point for Spain and potentially end the country’s current Socialist-led government, with opinion polls showing the centre-right People’s Party (PP) holding a substantial lead over Sánchez’s PSOE.

Sánchez 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.

“Spain must decide whether to join the far-right wave or remain a bastion of openness, social justice and environmental responsibility,” Sánchez said.

Housing crisis puts Sánchez under pressure

The decision comes as housing affordability has become one of the biggest political issues in Spain.

Nationwide protests have erupted over soaring housing costs, rents and evictions, with anger intensified by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, who had lived in the same Madrid apartment since 1956.

Sánchez suffered another political setback on Friday when lawmakers rejected two government-backed bills aimed at tackling the housing crisis.

The prime minister is now attempting to turn housing into a central election issue, betting that voters will support his government’s proposed solutions despite growing dissatisfaction.

But the strategy carries significant risks.

Polls point to conservative victory

Current polling gives the PP around 34 per cent, compared with 26 per cent for Sánchez’s PSOE.

The far-right Vox is polling at around 18 per cent, meaning the PP could potentially need Vox support to form a government.

The result would represent a dramatic shift in Spanish politics and could bring the country’s Socialist era under Sánchez to an end.

Sánchez has survived multiple political crises during his time in office, repeatedly managing to remain in power despite predictions of his downfall.

This time, however, his government faces pressure on several fronts.

Corruption cases have damaged the Socialist Party, while the government’s handling of migration and the continuing crisis surrounding Spain’s North African territory of Ceuta have also generated criticism.

Sánchez highlights economic record

In announcing the election, Sánchez defended his government’s record since returning to office in 2023.

He pointed to Spain’s strong economic growth, record employment and major investment in renewable energy.

Sánchez 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.

But the prime minister acknowledged that economic growth has not necessarily translated into improved living standards for ordinary Spaniards.

Inflation, rising housing costs and stagnant purchasing power continue to weigh heavily on households.

The 2025 Iberian power blackout also raised questions about Spain’s energy infrastructure, while the migration crisis in Ceuta has added further pressure on the government.

Sánchez admitted that his government had made mistakes and had not achieved everything it had promised.

He argued, however, that a fresh mandate would allow his government to pursue deeper reforms, particularly in housing and public services.

Spain’s left faces a major challenge

The election also comes at a difficult moment for the parties to Sánchez’s left.

His Socialist Party has relied on support from smaller left-wing parties to maintain its coalition, but those forces are now struggling to regroup.

Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Díaz has announced that she will not seek re-election, leaving the Sumar alliance searching for new leadership.

The group is expected to unveil its new leadership structure on October 17 as it prepares to relaunch as the Broad Front.

It remains uncertain whether the project can unite Sumar with Podemos and other figures from Spain’s fragmented left.

With the PP leading the polls and Vox polling strongly, Sánchez now has less than two months to convince Spanish voters that his government deserves another term.

Spain will vote on November 29.

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