Spain will conduct a snap general election on November 29 following the dissolution of its parliament. The election, prompted by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s inability to secure parliamentary approval for housing reforms, will determine the future composition of Spain’s government.
The upcoming election campaign is set to commence on November 13, with November 28 designated as a day of reflection. The electoral outcome will be pivotal, particularly if no party manages to gain sufficient seats to govern independently, which could complicate the process of forming a new government.
Prime Minister Sánchez’s decision to call for an early election came after two proposed housing measures were rejected by the parliament. These measures, intended to offer protections for vulnerable tenants and introduce changes to rental housing policies, faced opposition from various parties, including Junts. This defeat underscored the challenges Sánchez’s administration faces in navigating a fragmented parliament.
The election campaign is expected to focus on several critical issues, including housing, taxation, immigration, energy prices, healthcare, pensions, and the overall cost of living. The political landscape is further complicated by ongoing controversies surrounding Sánchez’s agreements with regional parties, such as the Catalan party Junts, which supported his return as prime minister in 2023.
Sánchez’s government has also been under pressure due to criticism of its handling of the COVID-19 lockdown, the 2025 nationwide power blackout, and corruption investigations linked to figures within the governing PSOE.
The results of the November 29 vote will determine whether Sánchez remains in power or if a new political coalition will lead Spain. The election will be closely watched as it unfolds amidst a backdrop of significant national issues and political complexities.