Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a snap general election on Monday, 5 October 2026, setting the date for 29 November. This decision came after two government decrees aimed at addressing the country's housing crisis were voted down by right-wing politicians in the lower chamber.
Speaking from the Moncloa palace, Mr Sánchez acknowledged that his government had not achieved all its goals, stating that "many injustices remain to be corrected … particularly regarding inequality in public services and access to housing." He added that to do more, his government needed to "renew and expand public support."
The attempt to pass the housing legislation followed widespread protests against the housing crisis, with tens of thousands demonstrating. According to Spain’s national public opinion research institute, Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS), housing has been the country's primary concern since late 2024.