MADRID — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez on Monday called a snap general election for Nov. 29, following months of legislative obstacles for his left-wing government.
An election defeat would end one of Europe's last left-leaning governments at a time when far-right parties have gained support across the continent.
Sánchez has served three successive terms as prime minister, totaling eight years. He has never won enough votes to form a majority government alone and has relied on coalitions with parties ranging from the far left to Catalan separatists. These alliances have complicated his ability to pass legislation, forcing him to resort to decrees.
The snap election announcement comes as housing protests intensify across Spain. The housing crisis has emerged as a major domestic challenge for his government.
Sánchez has championed progressive causes abroad, advocating for Palestinian rights, defending multilateral institutions and calling for stricter tech regulation.
The election will test whether left-leaning governance can hold in a region where voters have shifted away from the political center.
