An early general election has been declared following Parliament’s rejection of legislative measures designed to protect tenants and freeze rental costs.
Mounting frustration regarding acute housing shortages and spiraling rents across Spain has triggered mass demonstrations.
The unrest commenced last month following the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old woman who died this week.
The Socialist-led government attempted to pass tenant protections and a rent freeze, but the measures were voted down. Conservative opposition leaders contend that deregulation and increased construction are the only effective remedies.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has since called for early elections. Political analysts suggest he seeks to rally support, particularly as he navigates pressure over immigration policies and corruption investigations targeting his party.
Two recent polls indicate that the right-wing People’s Party and the far-right Vox party are poised to form a combined majority.
Can the protests against the housing emergency alter Sanchez’s political trajectory?
Presenter: Sami Zeidan
Guests:
- Hana Jalloul – Secretary of international politics and cooperation for the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party and a member of the European Parliament
- Daniel Lacalle – Chief economist at Tressis and professor at the IE Business School
- Pablo Calderon Martinez – Associate professor in politics and international relations at Northeastern University
