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LivestreamMenuSpain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attends an extraordinary parliamentary session to vote on a government housing decree on October 2, 2026 at the Congress of Deputies in Madrid. Javier Soriano | Afp | Getty Images
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called a snap election for Nov. 29 on Monday after Congress rejected measures intended to quell public anger over the country’s housing crisis.
Tens of thousands took to the streets over the weekend in protests that involved clashes with police in some areas.
Public protests and calls for a general strike have mounted following the September eviction of an 87-year-old disabled woman from her home of 70 years. However, public discontent over the cost of living, wage stagnation and a lack of affordable housing options — especially in tourist hotspots — have rumbled for years. That’s despite the strength of Spain’s economic growth post-pandemic.
Immigration is also a growing political flashpoint, with the Spanish government still grappling with the aftermath of the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants into the North African enclave of Ceuta in July.
Sánchez has served as prime minister since June 2018 and currently leads a minority left-wing coalition formed in November 2023. His government’s lack of parliamentary majority has made it difficult for Sánchez to pass major reforms.
During his tenure, Sánchez has clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump, criticizing White House foreign policy in the Middle East.
Demonstrators gather in Madrid’s city center during a housing rights demonstration outside Madrid City Hall in Madrid, Spain, on October 3, 2026, calling for an end to evictions and greater protection for tenants following the eviction of Maricarmen. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images
This is a breaking news story and will be updated shortly.
