Madrid: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced an early general election for November 29, bringing forward the country’s parliamentary vote following a major legislative setback for his government.

Sánchez made the announcement in a televised address on October 5, saying Spanish voters would be given the opportunity to decide the country’s political direction. The decision came shortly after the Spanish Congress rejected two government-backed housing measures.

The defeated measures were designed to address growing concerns over housing affordability. Among the proposed measures were stronger protections for vulnerable tenants, changes involving temporary and room rentals, and steps intended to provide greater stability for some residential tenancy agreements.

The government’s proposals failed to secure sufficient parliamentary support. The votes of the People’s Party, Vox and Junts were decisive in blocking the measures, highlighting the difficulties faced by Sánchez’s government in maintaining support in a fragmented parliament.

Housing has become an increasingly important political issue in Spain, with concerns over rents, property costs and evictions generating public debate and demonstrations. The failure of the government’s housing package added further pressure on the administration.

Sánchez’s decision means political parties will now begin preparing for a nationwide electoral campaign. Candidates, party organisations and campaign teams are expected to focus heavily on housing, the economy, public services and other major domestic issues.

The election is also significant because it comes before the previously expected end of the parliamentary term. The early vote will determine the composition of Spain’s next parliament and the political basis for the country’s next government.

The announcement has immediately changed the political timetable. According to Spain’s electoral schedule, the formal dissolution of parliament and publication of the election decree will initiate the statutory election process, with November 29 set as polling day.

The decision follows a period of political uncertainty after the government’s housing proposals were defeated. Sánchez had spent the weekend consulting members of his government and political allies before making the final decision.

The upcoming election will therefore provide voters with an opportunity to assess the government’s record and the alternative programmes presented by competing political parties.

With the election date now established, Spain is entering a new phase of political campaigning. Parties are expected to present their proposals on housing and other national priorities as voters prepare to choose a new parliament.