Spanish election campaign overshadowed by housing protests

DOS HERMANAS, 11 OCTOBER 2026 —

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez launched his campaign for a snap general election on Saturday, aiming to secure an absolute majority in a vote dominated by nationwide housing protests that have destabilized the political landscape.

The crisis was triggered two weeks prior to the campaign launch when Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old Madrid pensioner, was evicted from her home. Abascal’s eviction became the face of Spain’s chronic housing crisis, sparking nationwide protests that placed intense pressure on the government. The resulting political upheaval brought forward a general election that had originally been scheduled for 2027.

After the minority government failed to pass its proposed measures in parliament, Sanchez decided to call the early vote, betting on a shift in public sentiment.

Sanchez, who has held the premiership since 2018, is a divisive figure domestically but has gained international prominence in recent years. His clashes with US President Donald Trump and Israel have endeared him to disillusioned global progressives. Despite this international standing, he trails in most polls behind the main conservative opposition, the Popular Party (PP).

At his campaign rally, Sanchez vowed to strengthen legislation protecting tenants against "real estate speculation" if his party wins an absolute majority. He acknowledged the impact of the protests, stating, "Maricarmen and all those who campaign for her, as well as all those who take action for the just cause of housing, have opened the way." Sanchez also voiced his "affection" for Abascal, who died in a hospital on Wednesday.

The choice of Dos Hermanas, a commuter town outside the southern city of Seville, for the campaign launch was highly symbolic. Dos Hermanas is a historic Socialist stronghold where Sanchez launched his 2023 election campaign. In that previous election, he thwarted predictions by retaining office despite the PP winning more seats.

The town also marks the site of Sanchez’s political resurrection after he resigned as Socialist party leader in 2016 following two consecutive general election defeats.

Support for Sanchez was evident among some attendees at the rally. Isabel Morales, a 67-year-old pensioner in the crowd, told AFP that she viewed his term in office as "very positive." She cited specific policy achievements, stating, "He’s done a lot of things for the working class. He raised wages, raised pensions, enacted a housing law, a lot of things that are extremely positive.

Let’s hope he continues." These comments reflect the government’s emphasis on social welfare measures as a key pillar of its platform.

Meanwhile, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, the leader of the Popular Party, was rallying his followers in Madrid on the same day. Feijoo is seeking to become prime minister after failing to form a government in 2023. His campaign focuses on the need for a new direction, with his rhetoric targeting Sanchez’s leadership. The contrast between the two leaders’ bases and messaging highlights the deep political divide in Spain as the country heads toward the November vote.

The housing crisis has become the central issue of the campaign, overshadowing other policy debates. The failure of the minority government to pass urgent decrees in parliament demonstrated the fragility of Sanchez’s coalition. The death of Abascal further intensified the emotional weight of the issue, turning a legal eviction into a national symbol of systemic failure.

The protests that followed have shaken the country, forcing the government to act quickly by calling an early election rather than attempting to navigate the legislative gridlock.

Sanchez’s strategy relies on converting the momentum of the housing protests into electoral support for his party. By positioning himself as the leader who will enact stronger protections against speculation, he aims to appeal to voters concerned about the cost of living and housing affordability. The November 29 election will determine whether Sanchez can secure the absolute majority needed to implement these changes or if the PP will finally succeed in forming a government.

The outcome will have significant implications for Spain’s social policies and its standing in the international community.

Related: Pedro Sanchez · Dos Hermanas