Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez calls snap election for 29 November
Sanchez announced an early vote after a housing bill defeat and ongoing parliamentary deadlock.
Key facts
- Pedro Sanchez announced a snap election for 29 November 2026.
- The announcement followed the rejection of emergency housing measures on 2 October by seven Junts lawmakers.
- Sanchez said the election seeks a "much broader progressive majority."
- Spain has continued to use the 2023 budget because a new budget has not been passed.
On Monday, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he is calling an early election for 29 November. The move was described as a surprise response to a parliamentary deadlock.
The announcement came after Sanchez's emergency measures to tackle the housing crisis were rejected on 2 October. Seven lawmakers from the Catalan separatist party Junts voted against the measures, ending the government's support on the issue.
Sanchez said the election aims to secure a "much broader progressive majority." Since the 2023 election, his PSOE has governed without a majority, relying on a coalition with Sumar and the support of regional parties, especially Junts.
Spain's parliament has not passed a regular budget since 2023, and the government has lost almost one in four votes in the first half of 2026. The lack of a new budget forces the country to operate under the 2023 budget.
The housing defeat occurred amid a broader crisis that includes mass migration to Ceuta, corruption allegations against PSOE members, and the forced eviction of 87‑year‑old Maria del Carmen Abascal. Protest camps and a 24‑hour general strike announced by trade unions CCOO and UGT followed the parliamentary vote.
Context
Sanchez's government has depended on the seven Junts lawmakers for parliamentary support since 2023, creating instability that has hindered the passage of key legislation such as the state budget.
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