Spain is on the road to hold a snap general election on Sunday, Nov. 29, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced from the Moncloa Palace, as mass protests over the housing crisis continue.

The measure becomes official when the Royal Decree is published in the BOE (the Official State Gazette), normally the following day. The prime minister proposes dissolution under his sole responsibility (Article 115 of the Constitution), but the Council of Ministers deliberates first and the King decrees it. 

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Sanchez argued that the Parliament needs to be composed of a larger progressive majority so a government can take measures to help ease the housing crisis.

While he highlighted his government’s achievements in social welfare, industry, economic growth and the energy transition, he acknowledged management mistakes and areas that need correcting.

The eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman forced out of her rented home in Madrid, ignited nationwide mobilizations, including a camp in Puerta del Sol, and prompted the government to approve two housing decrees — one banning evictions for vulnerable people until 2030 and limiting rent hikes, the other extending rental contracts indefinitely. On Friday, Congress voted down both measures, with Vox, PP and Junts voting against.

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