Spain's gambler PM Sanchez seeks to defy the odds again on a snap election
EWP•Pedro Sanchez called a snap election for November 29, bringing it forward from next year. A survey found 68% of Spaniards support rent caps, which his opponents blocked.
1. Election centers on housing
Sanchez called the election as Spain faces a housing crisis, after right-wing opponents blocked a decree capping rents and preventing further evictions. He may be seeking to make housing a central issue in the campaign, while shifting attention from other challenges facing his government.
2. Political odds
Sanchez has remained in office for eight years without winning a parliamentary majority. Surveys indicate his Socialists and their minority coalition partners Sumar have less support than in 2023, when he secured a third term through an alliance after the PP won the most seats.
3. Rent cap support
A 40dB survey for El Pais and Cadena Ser found that 68% of Spaniards, including a majority of PP and Vox voters, favored capping rents to make housing more accessible. Political analyst Eduardo Bayon said Sanchez aims to capitalize on public mobilization and frame the choice as one between political blocs.
