AustraliaSpain PM Calls Snap Election
Pedro Sánchez announces November 29 vote amid housing crisis protests. The move follows parliament's rejection of his government's proposed housing relief measures.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called an early election for November 29, seeking to renew his government's mandate amid a housing crisis. Sánchez made the announcement in a televised address, saying he needs to mobilise a larger progressive majority in parliament.
The decision comes after nationwide protests sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, from her Madrid apartment. The eviction was carried out by an investment firm, prompting tens of thousands to gather in cities across Spain to demand affordable housing.
Sánchez's minority government recently failed to pass proposed housing relief measures in parliament, which led to the protests. The average rental price in Spain has almost doubled over the past decade, reaching 15.10 euros per square metre in August.
The Bank of Spain estimates that the country is short of 700,000 homes, based on the gap between housing demand and new construction. Social housing in Spain makes up less than 2 per cent of the housing stock, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Sánchez acknowledged that he had made mistakes and fallen short of campaign promises. He said he knows that part of the social majority is dissatisfied, but he is urging Spaniards to elect a broader progressive coalition to parliament.
The opposition People's Party leader, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, has urged voters to bring his party to power in the election. If Sánchez loses, it will mark the end of one of Europe's last left-leaning governments.
The election will be held on November 29, months before schedule. Sánchez is hoping to shore up his fragile mandate by tapping into public anger over the country's housing crisis.
Key facts
- Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez has called an early election for November 29
- The election comes amid a housing crisis and nationwide protests
- The average rental price in Spain has almost doubled over the past decade
- Spain is short of 700,000 homes, according to the Bank of Spain
Three perspectives
Neutral
The election outcome is uncertain, with opinion polls suggesting a coalition led by the conservative People's Party could win. The housing crisis has sparked widespread protests, and the election will be closely watched. Sánchez's decision to call an early election is a gamble that could pay off or backfire.
Positive
Sánchez's move to call an early election could be seen as a bold attempt to address the housing crisis and renew his government's mandate. The protests have highlighted the need for affordable housing, and the election could lead to a more progressive government. Sánchez's acknowledgement of mistakes and willingness to listen to the social majority could be a positive step.
Negative
The election comes at a time of great uncertainty, and Sánchez's decision to call an early vote could be seen as a desperate attempt to cling to power. The opposition is likely to capitalise on the government's failures, and the far-right Vox party could gain ground. The housing crisis is a complex issue, and it is unclear whether the election will lead to meaningful solutions.
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