Political blow to the anti-Israeli PM: Spain heading for snap elections?

Spain's parliament rejected an emergency housing package proposed by the government amid protests sparked by the eviction of an elderly woman. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose coalition lacks a majority, may call snap elections.

Spain's parliament rejected an emergency housing package proposed by the government of Pedro Sánchez to address the housing crisis, amid widespread public protests. The proposal failed after the Catalan separatist party "Junts" exercised its opposition, despite Sánchez being forced to include it in his coalition after the 2023 elections. The vote failure has sparked speculation about a possible dissolution of the government and early elections. Sánchez is simultaneously dealing with corruption scandals involving his party and family, and the migrant crisis in Ceuta. The protests erupted following the eviction of María del Carmen Abascal, 87, from her home in Madrid after 70 years, due to a rent increase from €500 to €2,650. Protesters set up tents in Puerta del Sol square in Madrid, demanding stronger protections for tenants. The People's Party (center-right) leads in polls with 34%, and its potential partner Vox (far-right) has 18%.