Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez calls for snap general elections on November 29

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Monday, October 5, 2026, that snap general elections will be held on November 29. The decision follows the parliament's rejection of two emergency decrees intended to address the country's ongoing housing crisis and public unrest, which was intensified by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman named Maricarmen Abascal.

In a televised address, Sánchez explained that the vote is necessary to secure a broader progressive majority and to overcome a deeply divided parliament. He criticized the opposition, specifically naming the People's Party and the far-right Vox, accusing them of obstructionism, questioning his government's legitimacy, and prioritizing political maneuvering over national responsibility. He also claimed that influential economic and social elites are attempting to steer Spain’s future without having been elected.

Prior to this announcement, the government had struggled to maintain stability in a fragmented legislative environment where reaching agreements was frequently labeled as betrayal by rivals. Sánchez characterized the upcoming election as a critical choice for Spain, framing it as a decision between aligning with the far-right movement or continuing as a bastion of social justice and prosperity.