Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, hopes that the severe housing crisis in the country has worsened enough to overshadow other challenges facing Spain. Nationwide protests against skyrocketing rents and speculation in real estate have put pressure on Spain in recent weeks, prompting this socialist leader to announce early elections for November 29.
Pressure on Sánchez due to other crises
Sánchez, who is under pressure from the immigration crisis in Ceuta as well as corruption cases involving family members and political associates, aims to capitalize on public dissatisfaction regarding housing and present himself as a serious contender in the elections. He is trying to portray the opposition conservative party in Spain as an obstacle to solving this problem.
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Criticism of Sánchez's performance on housing
Critics doubt Sánchez's wisdom in presenting himself as a champion of housing rights, as his time in power has coincided with the intensification of the current crisis. Valeria Raco, spokesperson for the Spanish Tenants' Union, stated that Sánchez has "no record to be proud of" and his socialist party has been labeled as "a party of landlords."
According to statistics, the average housing price in Spain has increased by 80% between 2015 and 2025, and rents have risen by 87%, while wages have only increased by 30%. This price increase has been particularly painful for young Spaniards. According to the latest statistics, 69% of Spaniards aged 18 to 34 live with their parents.
Sánchez has not been indifferent to the housing crisis, calling it the "great constitutional challenge" of the country. In 2023, he promised to use "all government resources" to provide 184,000 public and rental homes. However, the latest government report in this regard shows that only 14,000 of these homes have been "offered to citizens."
While Sánchez is trying to present himself as a housing champion, more criticism from opponents and civil society has been directed at him, which may affect the election results.
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