United News of Bangladesh

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called an early general election for Nov. 29 as pressure mounts on his government over the country’s housing crisis following a major parliamentary defeat last week. The announcement came after opposition right-wing parties joined forces to block two emergency decrees proposed by Sánchez’s government. The measures included steps to reduce evictions and curb real estate speculation. Public pressure over housing affordability has grown in recent weeks, with protests held in cities across Spain. Anger intensified after the televised eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid last month. Addressing the nation on Monday, Sánchez said voters must decide the country’s future and argued that a broader progressive majority in parliament could help address Spain’s major challenges. He asked voters to choose between what he described as a far-right political shift and a future based on openness, social justice and environmental responsibility. Sánchez, 54, has served as prime minister since 2018. His government has gained international attention for its support for migration, diplomatic efforts on behalf of Palestinians and criticism of the US and Israeli war against Iran. Spain has also recorded strong economic growth in recent years. However, he faces domestic challenges, including legal cases involving members of his Socialist Party, as well as his wife and brother, both of whom deny wrongdoing. His government has also faced criticism over a border crossing this summer involving tens of thousands of people, mostly Moroccans, into Spain’s North African territory of Ceuta, where a humanitarian crisis has continued. Since 2023, Sánchez has led a minority coalition with left-wing party Sumar. His reliance on smaller parties to pass legislation has limited his government’s ability to implement policies. Political analyst Oriol Bartomeus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona said the housing issue could benefit Sánchez’s party by framing the election around affordability and the traditional left-right divide. Sánchez will face Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo, whose party currently holds the largest number of seats in parliament. Feijóo said the election would give Spaniards an opportunity to decide whether Sánchez should remain in power. The Cabinet is scheduled to meet later Monday to approve the formal dissolution of parliament, a necessary step before the election.