Spanish Prime Minister Dissolves Parliament and Calls for Early Elections

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced today the dissolution of parliament and the calling of early elections on November 29.

The decision to potentially move up the election date, although it was scheduled for next year, comes after the House of Representatives rejected a government attempt on Friday to control the country's housing crisis amid massive protests.

Sources close to Sánchez, who requested anonymity, told Bloomberg that cabinet ministers and other senior officials in the government and the Socialist Party support holding early elections as the best strategy following a parliamentary loss that damaged the government last week.

They added that Sánchez spent the weekend in meetings with prominent figures.

The minority coalition led by Sánchez has faced difficulties passing legislation since taking power in 2023, but the recent defeat was particularly impactful because providing affordable housing is a key issue for his supporters.

Sánchez's term ends in July 2027. Government approval ratings have been declining in polls for months, while the conservative People's Party and the far-right Vox party enjoy enough support to form a coalition government.

The parliamentary defeat may give Sánchez and the Socialists an opportunity to build an electoral narrative against the right.
Speculation about early elections gained momentum on Friday after parliament rejected two emergency housing bills submitted by the government.