Spain's prime minister calls early elections as pressure mounts over housing crisis

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced early elections Monday after his government suffered a decisive legislative defeat last week involving emergency measures tied to the country’s housing crisis. The vote is set for Nov. 29. In recent weeks, pressure has mounted as protests erupted across Spain over housing affordability, following outrage after a televised eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid last month. Right-wing opposition parties joined forces to derail two emergency decrees in Parliament, including steps aimed at reducing evictions and real-estate speculation. The setback has fueled speculation that Sánchez could move up the election date from next year.