Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap general election for 29 November, following a parliamentary defeat on Friday. Measures presented by his government, aimed at improving conditions for tenants and addressing rising rental costs, were narrowly rejected by right-wing parties.
This parliamentary outcome confirmed that Mr Sánchez's left-wing coalition no longer holds a majority. The Prime Minister has appealed to voters on the left, urging them to "mobilise and ensure that parliament gives us a much bigger, progressive majority with which to defeat the elites, conquer social rights and keep transforming Spain."
Mr Sánchez's government has faced recent challenges, including corruption allegations involving former senior Socialist Party figures and accusations against his wife, Begoña Gómez, which they deny. The administration has also contended with a migrant crisis in Ceuta.
While the housing issue is a significant concern for Spaniards, polls suggest the Socialist Party is currently behind the People's Party (PP).