Summary (tl;dr)

Spain is gripped by political turmoil leading up to snap general elections on November 29, 2026, called by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez amidst a housing crisis, widespread protests, and corruption allegations, with polls indicating a potential shift towards a far-right coalition government.

Essential Background

Spain's political landscape has been unstable since the 2023 municipal and regional elections, which saw the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) lose control in several areas. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez formed a new government in November 2023 through a coalition deal with the left-wing party Sumar and secured support from Basque and Catalan nationalist lawmakers. This government has faced ongoing challenges, including a persistent Catalan separatist movement, which saw a controversial amnesty law passed in 2024 (upheld in June 2025). Additionally, the country has been grappling with a severe housing crisis, leading to public unrest and protests.

The Full Story

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced snap general elections for November 29, 2026, after two key housing decrees failed to pass in parliament, following widespread protests sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen, who later died. This decision is seen as a political gamble to rally support for his Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). The government is also battling a series of corruption scandals, including the "Koldo case" involving former transport minister José Luis Ábalos and alleged influence-peddling investigations into Sánchez's wife and brother. Polls suggest a growing possibility of the conservative People's Party (PP) forming a coalition with the far-right Vox party, potentially bringing the hard right back to power for the first time since 1975. Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the PP has capitalized on the corruption scandals and housing crisis in his campaign, while a new centrist party, led by Miriam González Durántez, has also entered the political arena.

Why It Matters

The upcoming snap election is highly significant for Spain's future political direction and could have broader implications for Europe. A potential coalition between the conservative PP and the far-right Vox party would mark a notable shift to the right in Spanish governance, impacting policies on immigration, social issues, and potentially challenging the country's progressive stance on international affairs. The election also serves as a referendum on how the government addresses critical domestic issues such as the housing crisis and political corruption, which have fueled public discontent and protests. The outcome will determine whether Spain continues its current left-leaning trajectory or experiences a significant political realignment.

Geographic Location

• Madrid, Madrid Community, Spain (location of major protests over the housing crisis, government actions, and campaign rallies for the upcoming elections)
• Catalonia, Spain (region with a persistent separatist movement and focus of the controversial amnesty law)