Spanish PM Calls Snap Election After Housing Crisis Sparks Protests

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for early general elections to be held on November 29, more than six months ahead of schedule. The snap election follows the collapse of a key housing bill in parliament, which was defeated by 178 votes to 177. The bill aimed to address Spain's escalating housing crisis, characterized by rapidly rising rents and a shortage of available homes, which has made it difficult for young people to afford housing. The crisis came to a head when an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, was forcibly evicted from her home of over 70 years after her landlord significantly raised the rent. Images of her eviction under police escort ignited public outrage and led to widespread protests.

Sánchez's government had proposed measures including restrictions on evicting vulnerable tenants and extending rental contracts as a response to the crisis. However, the bill failed to pass parliament, with even the Catalan Junts party, a former government ally, voting against it. The defeat of the housing bill, coupled with ongoing corruption scandals and deep political divisions, contributed to the government's instability. The eviction incident, while not the sole cause, brought the housing crisis back to the forefront of public attention.

Recent polls indicate a close race between the conservative People's Party (PP), which leads in some surveys with around 32.3%, and Sánchez's Socialist Party, polling at 25.3%. The far-right Vox party is also a significant player, with 18.8% in one poll. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for Spain's foreign policy, particularly concerning its relations with Israel. The current Sánchez government has been critical of Israel, recognizing a Palestinian state and adopting a firm stance on the war in Gaza. In contrast, Vox is strongly pro-Israel, blaming Hamas for the conflict and hostage situation. The People's Party also holds a position to the right of Sánchez regarding Israel, though its stance is more nuanced than Vox's. Therefore, a shift in Spain's political balance could influence one of Europe's prominent voices on Israeli-Palestinian issues.