Spain's snap election: Housing, migration set to shape vote

Key Points:

• Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called a surprise early election for November 29 following a parliamentary defeat on emergency housing measures, signaling his intent to form a "much broader progressive majority."
• The government has faced prolonged political instability, with no new budget passed since 2023, compounded by crises such as mass migration in Ceuta, corruption scandals, and public protests over the housing shortage.
• Spain's severe housing shortage, rising property prices, and limited social housing have fueled widespread protests and a general strike, though Sanchez's proposed rent controls have drawn criticism from both tenants' groups and conservative opponents.
• The opposition conservative People's Party (PP) and the right-wing populist Vox party are gaining ground, with Vox increasing its support significantly, potentially complicating PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo’s efforts to balance centrist voters and right-wing coalition demands.
• Sanchez's government has been a prominent voice in Europe opposing Donald Trump’s policies on defense spending, migration, and international conflicts; a left-wing loss in the election could reduce this influence within the European Council.