Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez calls snap election

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez  called an early general election on Monday, bringing forward a vote that had been scheduled for 2027.

Sanchez announced the decision in a statement at Madrid's Moncloa Palace after a weekend of consultations with his closest advisers.

What did Sanchez say?

"It is time for Spaniards to decide what future you want," Sanchez said.

The announcement of the November 29 vote follows a parliamentary defeat for his minority government on Friday, when lawmakers rejected measures aimed at tackling Spain's housing crisis.

Sanchez framed the election as a choice over Spain's future direction, saying voters must decide whether the country joins what he called a "far-right wave" or continues on a path of "openness, social justice and environmental responsibility."

He said he trusted Spanish voters to make that choice.

The decision comes despite Sanchez repeatedly insisting in recent months that his government would complete its four-year term. 

The election follows mounting public pressure over housing costs, with large protests across the country.