Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that he will call for early elections on November 29 after his minority government's housing measures were rejected by parliament, deepening the political pressure on his administration.

Sanchez said in a televised address that the government needed to renew and expand public support in order to continue implementing its policies, adding that his goal was to secure "a much broader progressive majority" in parliament.

The announcement came after lawmakers rejected a package of housing measures proposed by Sanchez's government, including automatic renewal of rental contracts and restrictions on evictions of vulnerable tenants.

Housing crisis fuels public anger

The parliamentary defeat came as tens of thousands of people took to the streets in Madrid and other Spanish cities demanding affordable housing.

Housing has become one of Spain's most pressing social issues in recent years, with rising rents and property prices increasing pressure on households. According to real estate platform Idealista, average rents in Spain have nearly doubled over the past decade, while home sale prices have increased by around 90 per cent.

The rejection of the government's housing package intensified criticism against the minority coalition government, which has struggled to pass major legislation. Spain has been operating under the 2023 national spending plan, the latest full budget approved during Sanchez's tenure.

Eviction case sparks wider protests

The housing debate intensified after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid apartment, where she had lived for seven decades.

The case became a symbol of growing frustration over rising housing costs. Housing advocates said Abascal was forced to leave after the property was purchased by an investment company that sought to increase her rent by 275 per cent.

Following public backlash, a deal was reached allowing her to return to the apartment under a lower-rent agreement with the new owners.

Meanwhile, hundreds of protesters have continued demonstrations in a tent camp established in central Madrid, calling for stronger housing protections and government action.

Sanchez seeks renewed mandate

Sanchez, who has been in office since 2018, said the early election was aimed at obtaining a stronger mandate from voters and overcoming legislative obstacles faced by his minority government.

Recent opinion polls have generally placed the conservative People's Party (PP) ahead of the ruling Socialists, increasing pressure on Sanchez ahead of the election.(ILKHA)