Spain heads to early general elections on November 29 amid political turmoil

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called for early general elections to be held on November 29, 2026. This decision follows the parliamentary defeat of government-proposed measures intended to address the country's worsening housing crisis, which has triggered widespread protests following the recent eviction of an 87-year-old woman.

Two recent polls, including one conducted by El País, suggest that the center-right People's Party (PP) and the far-right Vox party are poised to secure a joint parliamentary majority. Specifically, the survey indicates the right-wing coalition could secure 198 seats, comfortably exceeding the 176-seat threshold for an absolute majority, while the Socialists are projected to drop from 121 seats in 2023 to 112 seats. The PP is currently polling at 31.9%, compared to 28.1% for the Socialists.

Sanchez, who has been in power since 2018, is attempting to pivot the public narrative away from ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and influence peddling involving his wife and brother, as well as criticisms regarding the government's management of a summer migration crisis. The Prime Minister has consistently denied any wrongdoing and defended his family's integrity. As the election date approaches, the political landscape remains highly polarized, with the declining popularity of the leftist coalition partner, Sumar, further complicating the Socialist Party's electoral prospects.