A snap election has been called.
Pedro Sánchez called a snap election days after protests broke out in Spain (Image: Getty)
Sky News came to a standstill on Monday (5 October), as journalist Wilfred Frost confirmed that Pedro Sánchez, the prime minister of Spain, has called a snap election. “Breaking news for you. The prime minister of Spain, Sánchez, has announced that he will call an early general election,” Frost began. “There had been speculation that he might do this, and he has gone ahead and done it. The election will be on November 29, so six or seven weeks away. The last one was 2023, so that gives you a gauge of this coming a bit earlier than expected.
“Of course, there’s been some inability for an effective government there in the last couple of years. The response is an early election called for November 29th in Spain.”
News of the election comes days after tens of thousands of people held protests across Spain, with around 50 marches carried out in major cities such as Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. The demonstrations were held in response to the ongoing housing crisis in Spain, with tensions peaking after it was reported that 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal had been evicted from her flat after decades, as a result of soaring rent costs.
In his speech on Monday, Sánchez said: “It’s up to you now. A glance at the horizon shows us that the world is in a very complex era of transformation and transition. It’s a time of great tension, of climate emergency, and of social and technological changes – including highly disruptive advances in artificial intelligence.
“It is, therefore, a time of great dangers, but also – if we know how to seize the moment – of great opportunities. You, the Spanish people, must decide what role you wish to play in this era, and what role you want Spain to play as well.”
Sánchez added, “You, the men and women of Spain, must decide whether you want to join the far-right wave that drives regression wherever it governs, or to ensure that Spain remains a bastion of openness, social justice, and environmental responsibility.
“You must decide whether you want our country to move backwards or continue moving forward, and whether you prefer a government that works for the interests of the majority of society.”
Following Sky News’ report, viewers responded on X. “Sánchez is putting his political future on the line. When housing becomes unaffordable for ordinary people, voters eventually demand answers. Now Spain gets to decide at the ballot box,” replied one. “Oh dear – welcome to another right-wing government to clear up the socialist mess,” penned a second.
Meanwhile, others argued that the UK’s prime minister, Andy Burnham, should follow suit and call a snap election. The Labour leader has yet to name a date; however, there has been mounting speculation that he may do so before Christmas.