Spain’s General Election on 29 November 2026: Causes, Candidates and Key Issues

Spain will hold an early general election on 29 November 2026, after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dissolved parliament following a major political confrontation over the country's housing crisis. The vote will determine the composition of both chambers of the Spanish parliament and could bring a change of government.

The election comes at a time of growing concern about housing affordability, immigration, the cost of living and political corruption allegations. It also presents a major challenge for Spain's governing Socialist Party and an opportunity for the conservative opposition to take power.

Why has Spain called an early election?

The immediate trigger was the government's failure to secure parliamentary support for emergency housing measures.

On 29 September 2026, the government approved two proposed decree-laws intended to improve access to housing and protect vulnerable tenants. The proposals followed protests over the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman in Madrid, whose case became a symbol of the housing crisis. The measures included extending protections against certain evictions, improving rental security, addressing speculation and expanding affordable housing. However, the government needed parliamentary approval to put the measures into effect.

The proposals subsequently failed to obtain the necessary support in parliament. Sánchez announced the early election on 5 October, arguing that his government needed a stronger progressive majority to implement its policies. The official decree dissolved parliament and set election day for 29 November.

The decision reflects a wider problem: Sánchez's government has depended on support from several smaller parties, including regional and pro-independence formations. When those parties disagree with the government, passing legislation becomes difficult.

What are the main issues in the election?

1. Housing and rent prices

Housing is expected to be one of the central campaign issues. In Madrid, Barcelona and other high-demand areas, many residents struggle to find affordable homes. Rising rents, limited supply, short-term rentals and the difficulty young people face when trying to buy a property have become major political concerns.

The Socialists and their potential allies on the left favour stronger tenant protections and public intervention in the housing market. The conservative People's Party (PP) emphasises increasing the supply of homes and easing planning restrictions.

2. Immigration

Immigration is another major dividing line. The PSOE has defended immigration's contribution to Spain's economy and society. Vox advocates much stricter immigration controls and a policy it describes as remigration. The PP also calls for more effective border management, although its approach differs from Vox's.

3. Corruption and trust in politics

Opposition parties have made allegations and investigations involving people connected to Sánchez's political circle a central part of their criticism. Sánchez denies wrongdoing and argues that his government has delivered economic and social progress.

The election will therefore also be a test of public confidence in the government and the opposition's ability to present a credible alternative.

4. The economy and public services

Voters will also consider wages, taxation, employment, healthcare, education and pensions. The PSOE stresses social protection and public investment, while the PP and Vox emphasise different combinations of tax reduction, economic deregulation and changes to public policy.

Who are the main candidates and parties?

Spain's parliamentary system does not elect the prime minister directly. Voters elect MPs and senators, and the prime minister must subsequently secure sufficient support in the Congress of Deputies.

The main political figures and parties to watch are:

· Pedro Sánchez — Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). The incumbent prime minister is seeking a renewed mandate for a progressive government. His campaign is expected to emphasise housing, social rights, public services and continuing Spain's social and economic policies.

· Alberto Núñez Feijóo — People's Party (PP). The main conservative opposition leader is seeking to replace Sánchez. The PP's priorities include increasing housing construction, reducing administrative barriers and changing the government's economic direction.

· Santiago Abascal — Vox. The right-wing party leader is pushing for stricter immigration policies, lower taxes, economic deregulation and a more centralised Spanish state.

· The emerging Frente Amplio. Parties to the left of the PSOE are working on a broader electoral platform intended to unite parts of the alternative left. As of early October, its leadership and final programme had not been settled. Podemos has not committed to joining the proposed alliance.

Regional parties will also matter. Catalan parties such as ERC and Junts, alongside Basque and other regional formations, can play a significant role in parliament if no major party wins a majority.

What do the parties propose?

One important qualification: as of 8 October 2026, the main parties had not all published their official programmes for this election. The following is a summary of their established positions and public statements, not a definitive account of their final 29 November manifestos.

PSOE Stronger tenant protections, social housing, public services and social welfare, alongside continued investment in renewable energy.

PP More housing construction, planning reform, tax relief and a more market-oriented approach to economic growth.

Vox Tighter immigration controls, lower taxes, deregulation, recentralisation of state powers and reversal of several progressive policies.

Frente Amplio / parties to the left of PSOE Stronger public intervention in housing, tenant protections, redistribution and expanded social rights. Its final platform was still being developed.

These differences are particularly important for housing. The debate is not only about whether homes are affordable, but also about how to make them so: through public investment and regulation, by increasing construction and easing planning rules, or through a combination of approaches.

What could happen after the election?

The result will determine whether Sánchez can assemble another progressive majority or whether Feijóo's PP can form a government with support from Vox.

Polls published on 9 October placed the PP and Vox ahead in combined support, suggesting that a conservative government was a serious possibility. However, opinion polls are not election results, and the final outcome will depend on turnout, provincial seat allocations, regional parties and coalition negotiations.

For Catalonia, the election will be especially relevant to housing policy, relations between the central government and Catalan institutions, immigration and the balance of power between national and regional parties.

Why this election matters

Spain's 29 November election is about more than which party leads the next government. It is a contest over how the country should respond to a housing crisis, how public services should be funded, how immigration should be managed and what role regional parties should play in national politics.

For residents and visitors following events in Barcelona, the campaign will offer an important insight into Spain's changing political landscape. The final party programmes and the result itself will determine whether the country continues with a progressive government or moves towards a conservative administration.