Spain is set to hold a snap general election on November 29 after the country’s parliament dissolved, following Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s inability to secure approval for key housing measures. The upcoming vote could prove pivotal for Sánchez’s government, especially if no party gains enough seats to form an independent government.
The election campaign will officially begin on November 13, with November 28 designated as a day of reflection. This election comes after Sánchez’s proposed housing reforms, which aimed to protect vulnerable tenants and modify rental housing regulations, were voted down by opposition parties and the Catalan party Junts. The rejection underscored the challenges Sánchez faces in a fragmented parliament, where maintaining a stable governing coalition has been difficult.
Key issues expected to dominate the campaign include housing, taxation, immigration, energy prices, healthcare, pensions, and the cost of living. Additionally, Sánchez’s agreements with regional parties, particularly the deal with Junts that facilitated his return as prime minister in 2023, remain contentious topics.
Sánchez’s government has also been under pressure from criticism over its handling of the COVID-19 lockdown, a projected nationwide power blackout in 2025, and corruption investigations involving individuals linked to the governing PSOE. These factors contribute to the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election, which will determine whether Sánchez retains power or if a new political coalition will emerge.