In brief
In a surprise move, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a snap election for 29 November after the Socialist-led minority government could not secure passage of key housing reforms in Parliament. Polls now put Sanchez’s Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party behind the centre‑right People's Party, raising the prospect that the PP will seek an alliance with the far‑right Vox. Sanchez warned of a widening “extreme‑right wave” across Europe and reiterated Spain’s commitment to peace, feminism and prosperity. The decision comes as parliamentary deadlock continues, forcing the government to seek fresh mandates from voters. BBC correspondent Guy Hedgecoe reports the developments live as the country braces for a potentially turbulent election.
The Spanish government has called for a snap election on 29 November after the Socialist minority led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez failed to pass essential housing reforms in Parliament.
Sanchez’s decision comes as opinion polls show his Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party trailing the centre‑right People’s Party, which many fear will seek a coalition with the far‑right Vox to form a majority.
In his announcement, Sanchez warned of a growing “extreme‑right wave” across Europe and reaffirmed his pledge that Spain would remain a global example of “peace, feminism and prosperity.”
The morning’s announcement has plunged Spanish politics into uncertainty, with many experts predicting a highly contested vote.
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