403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
Sánchez Calls Snap Nov. 29 Election After Housing Defeat
(MENAFN) Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called early elections for Nov. 29 on Monday, after parliament voted down two government housing decrees as protests over the country's housing crisis grew.
Speaking at his official residence in Madrid, Sanchez said he would convene his Cabinet later in the day to begin the formal process of calling the vote.
He conceded his government had made mistakes and fallen short of some goals, arguing that further progress would require a stronger parliamentary majority. Housing, inequality and public services remain challenges, he said, and he appealed for renewed public backing for his coalition's reforms.
Housing decrees defeated
The announcement follows Friday's defeat of two housing decrees drafted in response to protests triggered by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home.
The Catalan separatist party Junts joined the conservative Popular Party and far-right Vox in rejecting both measures, despite negotiations with the government over parts of their content.
Thousands marched across Spain over the weekend demanding action on housing, while demonstrators continued to camp in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square.
A choice between two paths
Sanchez cast the vote as a choice between continuing progressive reforms and joining a far-right wave that would roll back rights. He urged voters to deliver a broader progressive majority, saying Spain should remain a model of openness and social justice.
Defending his record, he cited economic growth, job creation, falling inequality, expanded scholarships and leave entitlements, investment in education and health care, and industrial modernization. He also pointed to the ecological transition and Spain's international positions, including support for Ukraine, the EU and the UN.
Sanchez described Spain as a “global reference point for peace, feminism and prosperity” and urged voters to ensure it remained “a bastion of openness and social justice.”
Background
Spain last held a general election in 2023, when Sanchez's Socialist Party finished second. He went on to form a coalition government with the left-wing Sumar alliance, backed in parliament by smaller parties, including Junts.
The next general election had been due no later than Aug. 22, 2027.
Speaking at his official residence in Madrid, Sanchez said he would convene his Cabinet later in the day to begin the formal process of calling the vote.
He conceded his government had made mistakes and fallen short of some goals, arguing that further progress would require a stronger parliamentary majority. Housing, inequality and public services remain challenges, he said, and he appealed for renewed public backing for his coalition's reforms.
Housing decrees defeated
The announcement follows Friday's defeat of two housing decrees drafted in response to protests triggered by the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home.
The Catalan separatist party Junts joined the conservative Popular Party and far-right Vox in rejecting both measures, despite negotiations with the government over parts of their content.
Thousands marched across Spain over the weekend demanding action on housing, while demonstrators continued to camp in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square.
A choice between two paths
Sanchez cast the vote as a choice between continuing progressive reforms and joining a far-right wave that would roll back rights. He urged voters to deliver a broader progressive majority, saying Spain should remain a model of openness and social justice.
Defending his record, he cited economic growth, job creation, falling inequality, expanded scholarships and leave entitlements, investment in education and health care, and industrial modernization. He also pointed to the ecological transition and Spain's international positions, including support for Ukraine, the EU and the UN.
Sanchez described Spain as a “global reference point for peace, feminism and prosperity” and urged voters to ensure it remained “a bastion of openness and social justice.”
Background
Spain last held a general election in 2023, when Sanchez's Socialist Party finished second. He went on to form a coalition government with the left-wing Sumar alliance, backed in parliament by smaller parties, including Junts.
The next general election had been due no later than Aug. 22, 2027.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any
responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos,
licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues
related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment