Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap general election after right-wing parties blocked emergency legislation designed to address the country's housing crisis, he announced in a televised address.
Sánchez, a socialist who has held office since 2018, triggered the early vote following the defeat of the housing bill in parliament. Right-wing opposition parties voted down the emergency measures. A general election had not been scheduled until late summer 2026.
The decision to dissolve parliament and hold early elections represents a high-stakes political gamble by Sánchez on the housing issue. Spain has faced mounting pressure over housing affordability and availability, with protests growing around the crisis.
The timing and circumstances reflect broader political tensions in Spain's parliament, where Sánchez's socialist government has faced obstacles in passing key legislation. The housing bill's failure triggered this electoral reset.