Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has made a bold move by calling for a snap election on October 5 in response to widespread protests on the issue of affordable housing. The upcoming election on November 29 will cut Sánchez’s term short by six months, presenting a risky political strategy for the prime minister.
The decision to call for the election came after the government faced challenges in getting parliamentary support for two measures aimed at tackling Spain’s housing crisis. However, following the election announcement, the government managed to pass the decrees with certain modifications, including rent caps, a temporary eviction ban, and restrictions on companies purchasing homes.
Sofía Olivares, a student and spokesperson for the housing advocacy group Derecho al Techo (Right to Housing), highlighted the government’s delayed attention to social housing amid increasing protests and unrest across Spain.
While polls indicate a potential victory for right-wing parties, Sánchez is counting on leveraging the housing crisis to gain the necessary political support for a majority in parliament. Since taking office in 2018, Sánchez has relied on backing from other parties due to his socialist party’s lack of a parliamentary majority.
By focusing on the housing affordability issue in his campaign, Sánchez aims to rally progressive voters and divert attention from other political vulnerabilities, including corruption investigations within his inner circle and the ongoing crisis in Ceuta.
The housing demonstrations were triggered by the eviction of 87-year-old María del Carmen Abascal, also known as Maricarmen, who passed away on October 7, becoming a symbol of the housing crisis. Protesters in Madrid and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have taken to the streets to voice their concerns over housing policies prioritizing tourism over residents’ needs.
The lack of public housing and a structural housing shortage have exacerbated the crisis, with families in the Canary Islands facing numerous evictions. The real estate industry has criticized the government’s measures, arguing that they fail to address the root causes of the housing problem.
Fotocasa’s data suggests a decrease in long-term rental supply following the introduction of new housing measures, raising concerns about potential barriers for prospective tenants. Calls for increased investment in public housing and streamlined development processes have been echoed by advocates like María Matos of Fotocasa.
As the election approaches, right-wing parties are expected to gain ground, with a conservative coalition likely to emerge victorious. The People’s Party and anti-immigration party Vox could form a coalition, bringing the far right into Spain’s national government for the first time since the country’s transition to democracy.
Despite facing challenges with housing affordability, individuals like Garazi González are adamant about preventing the return of far-right influence in power, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding social rights and ensuring a better future for generations to come.