Spain calls snap election after housing crisis protests

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 14:37 · Archive

Spain's prime minister has called early elections after parliament rejected housing measures following mass protests over rising rents and evictions.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called snap elections after Parliament rejected government measures to protect tenants and freeze rents, announced following widespread protests over the country's housing crisis.

The protests were triggered by the death of Maricarmen Abascal, 87, who died days after being forcibly evicted from the apartment she had lived in for over 70 years. An investment firm had purchased the building and sought to increase her rent by 230 per cent. Before her death, she was admitted to hospital suffering from severe anxiety and exhaustion. Around 20,000 people have protested across Spain's main cities in response, with demonstrators camping on squares.

Sanchez said he wanted to introduce measures addressing the housing shortage and surging rents, but faced opposition from the right-wing People's Party and far-right Vox, who argue that easing regulations and building more homes is the answer. The leftist government says the Right has blocked legislation aimed at curbing soaring rental prices. Analysts suggest Sanchez is calling the election to galvanise support as he faces pressure on immigration and corruption investigations into his party.

How it is being reported

• A dead pensioner, a snap election and protesters camping in tents: Inside Spain’s housing crisisSome 20,000 people turned out across Spain following the death of a woman evicted from her flat after an investment firm tried to increase her rent 230%. Critics say the time has come for serious reform, writes Maira ButtIndependent World · 10 Oct, 14:29
• How will Spain’s housing crisis affect elections?Snap vote called after Parliament rejects measures to protect tenants and freeze rents.Al Jazeera · 9 Oct, 21:39

In this story: Spain · Pedro Sanchez · Maricarmen Abascal · People's Party · Vox · Urbagestion

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem