Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Calls Snap Election Following Defeat on Housing Relief

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced a snap general election scheduled for November 29. The decision comes after parliament rejected housing relief measures proposed by his minority government.

Speaking at the lower house of parliament in Madrid, Sanchez made the announcement following a series of political setbacks for the centre-left leader. The government's defeat on Friday was quickly followed by mass protests across the country regarding the ongoing housing crisis.

According to the Spanish government, more than 70,000 protesters participated in a demonstration in Madrid on Saturday. Public anger had been mounting since late last month following the eviction of 87-year-old Marai del Carmen Abascal from her home of 70 years in Madrid, after an international investment fund purchased her building and raised the rent.