Spanish PM Sanchez to announce decision on early election Monday

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is set to make a significant institutional declaration on Monday morning, fueling widespread speculation that he may call an early general election. The announcement, scheduled for 9 a.m. local time (0700 GMT), follows a critical setback for his government on Friday when the lower house of parliament rejected two decree laws aimed at addressing the country's housing crisis.

Political analyst Eduardo Bayon commented that it would be logical for Sanchez to call elections now, suggesting it might be the most favorable scenario despite the risks of losing power. However, this potential move contrasts with Sanchez's repeated assertions that the elections would be held in 2027, as per the constitutional four-year term. A government spokesperson declined to provide details about the announcement in advance.

Sources indicate that the government is considering various options after the double defeat in Parliament on Friday regarding the housing decrees. If Sanchez decides to call early elections, the formal announcement would be made on Monday, with the decree dissolving parliament published the following day. Spanish electoral law dictates that elections would then be held 54 days after publication, potentially setting the date for November 29.