Arabic version: سانشيز يدعو إلى انتخابات إسبانية في 29 نوفمبر

According to ABC News, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called an early election for November 29 as Spain confronts a housing crisis and his minority government struggles to pass legislation.

In a televised address, Mr Sánchez said Spain needed to “renew people’s support”. He called for a larger progressive majority in parliament that could overcome vested interests, deliver social advances and continue transforming the country. He also acknowledged mistakes and said some people who form that social majority were dissatisfied.

The announcement followed the rejection in parliament of housing relief measures proposed by his government. The measures included automatic renewal of tenancy contracts and restrictions on evicting vulnerable tenants. Mr Sánchez also planned to curb bulk purchases by “vulture funds” and introduce a new tax on seasonal rentals.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Madrid over the weekend to demand affordable housing after the eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her apartment of more than 70 years. Tent cities have since been erected in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Palma de Mallorca.

Average rents in Spain have almost doubled over the past decade, reaching 15.10 euros per square metre in August, according to Idealista. The Bank of Spain estimates the country is short of 700,000 homes, while OECD data puts social housing at less than 2 per cent of the housing stock. Opinion polls indicate a coalition led by the conservative People’s Party, supported by Vox, is the most likely outcome.