Spanish Prime Minister Calls Early Elections Amid Government Collapse

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Monday the dissolution of parliament and called for early general elections to be held on November 29. The collapse of his minority government follows a significant public outcry over housing policies and the withdrawal of support from smaller coalition parties.

The crisis culminated when parliament, including parties that had previously supported Sánchez's administration, rejected two key housing decrees. Sánchez, who has led a minority government for several years, faced increasing difficulty in maintaining political stability.

A recent wave of public protests, sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old tenant from her Madrid home, intensified pressure on the government. Sánchez's administration, a coalition of his Socialist Party and the far-left Sumar, had proposed decrees aimed at protecting renters. However, the Catalan party Junts and a Basque party, which had been providing external support, opposed the legislation, viewing it as populist.

Recent polls indicate a significant shift in public opinion, suggesting a potential victory for the right-wing bloc, which could form the next government. This marks a departure from recent years where the left has held power.

The article also notes that Sánchez's government has pursued a distinctly anti-Israel policy. Last week, Spain's ambassador to Israel was summoned by the Israeli Foreign Ministry following a statement by Minister of Youth Sira Rego, who expressed support for a "Palestine from the river to the sea." The statement reportedly went unaddressed by the Spanish government.