Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has declared early elections following a legislative defeat concerning the country’s housing crisis. The elections are scheduled for November 29. Recent legislative efforts aimed at addressing housing affordability failed in Parliament, leading to this decision.

In the past weeks, citizens across Spain have protested housing conditions, notably following an eviction in Madrid. The protests highlight widespread concerns about housing costs. Right-wing opposition parties blocked two crucial emergency decrees intended to manage evictions and curb real estate speculation.

In a public address, Sánchez emphasized the need for a progressive coalition to address Spain’s key challenges. “The time has come for the Spanish people to decide their future,” he stated.

Sánchez has been in office since 2018, positioning himself as a prominent progressive leader in Europe. Known for his stance on migration and his diplomatic initiatives, he also oversaw significant economic growth. However, his administration faces domestic challenges, including legal cases linked to his Socialist party and family, which they contest.

Sánchez’s administration also encountered difficulties with mass border crossings into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa. In addition to these challenges, his coalition government, formed with the left-wing Sumar since 2023, depends on smaller parties, limiting legislative effectiveness.

As Sánchez prepares for elections, he faces strong competition from the conservative Popular Party, currently the largest in Parliament. The dissolution of Parliament awaits Cabinet approval, with discussions scheduled for Monday.