Spanish Government Sets 29 November Ballot to Address Social Unrest

Madrid – In a televised statement, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared that Spain will hold a snap election on 29 November, cutting short the current parliamentary term by nine months.

The move follows a wave of civil unrest triggered by the botched eviction of an 87‑year‑old resident in the capital, which amplified public anger over an escalating housing crisis and rising rental costs.

Sanchez conceded that his cabinet had committed mistakes and was unable to fulfil all its promised reforms, prompting the decision to dissolve the Cortes Generales ahead of schedule.

He emphasized that despite the turmoil Spain remains the fastest‑growing economy in the EU, with consumer buying power three times higher than in France or Germany, and touted recent policy gains such as expanded scholarships, parental leave, support for dependents and broader health‑care access.

The prime minister called for a strong progressive majority to advance further social‑justice measures, improve public infrastructure and tackle the shortage of affordable homes.

Demonstrations have now erupted in more than 50 cities, from Barcelona and Valencia to Seville and Malaga, drawing parallels with the 15‑M protests that demanded economic relief.