Spain general election 2026 campaign begins with 16 days to vote as parties compete for 350 Congress seats on November 29.
Related: Spain Begins the Campaign for the Snap General Election on November 29
Spain General Election 2026: 16-Day Campaign for 350 Seats Begins
The Spain general election 2026 campaign officially began on Friday, setting the stage for a 16-day race ahead of the November 29 vote. Political parties are competing for the 350 seats in the Congress of Deputies, where 176 seats are needed for an absolute majority.[telesurtv]
The election was originally scheduled for next year but was brought forward by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The decision followed a parliamentary deadlock over two housing decrees and a wave of social unrest triggered by the eviction and subsequent death of an elderly woman in Madrid.[telesurtv]
The crisis led to protests, encampments across the country, and a general strike on November 11. The housing emergency has become the central issue of the campaign, shaping the agendas of both the left and the right.[telesurtv]
Pedro Sánchez Seeks a “Historic Comeback”
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez launched his campaign in Seville before about 4,000 people, calling on progressive voters to deliver a “historic turnout” and an “epic comeback” that would allow him to govern for another four years.[telesurtv]
Sánchez placed housing and the protection of public services at the center of his program. He contrasted his management with that of the Popular Party’s regional governments and warned against the conservative bloc.[telesurtv]
The Socialist leader framed the election as a fight between progress and reaction. He argued that the Spain of progress would defeat “involution” at the ballot box on November 29.[telesurtv]
¡Gracias Madrid!
¡GRACIAS ESPAÑApic.twitter.com/71alGXJLcq
— Santiago Abascal 🇪🇸 (@Santi_ABASCAL) November 14, 2026
Alberto Núñez Feijóo Promises an “Audit of the Plunder”
Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo opened his campaign symbolically in Badalona, near Barcelona, and later met with young party members in Madrid. He presented himself as a “manager” capable of reversing the problems accumulated during eight years of Socialist rule.[telesurtv]
Feijóo focused his message on judicial and political scandals, public security, immigration, and access to housing. He announced that, if he reaches La Moncloa, he would launch an “audit of the plunder” to determine where every euro has gone and who took it.[telesurtv]
The Popular Party leader acknowledged that many Spaniards are sad and angry over what he described as the degradation of the country. He linked that frustration to scandals, poor management, and corruption.[telesurtv]
A los jóvenes:
• Si empezáis a trabajar, quiero que vuestro primer sueldo sea vuestro.
• Si queréis comprar una casa, quiero que podáis hacerlo sin necesitar a vuestros padres.
• Si queréis montar un negocio, quiero que podáis intentarlo sin tener que pagar antes de ganar… pic.twitter.com/5OzpQ1axDw— Alberto Núñez Feijóo (@NunezFeijoo) November 13, 2026
Vox Pushes “National Priority” and Harder Immigration Policy
Vox leader Santiago Abascal began his campaign in Huesca with a message centered on “national priority” and the removal of Sánchez from power. Polls project that the combined vote of Vox and the Popular Party could exceed 180 seats.[telesurtv]
Abascal hardened his immigration rhetoric and proposed deporting migrants in an irregular situation, banning them from renting homes, and carrying out evictions within 24 hours in cases of illegal occupation. He also called for repealing gender-equality laws.[telesurtv]
The Vox leader argued that limited public resources should go first to Spaniards. He said his position was not “hatred of foreigners” but “love for those inside” and “common sense.”[telesurtv]
The Left Divides Over Housing and Strategy
To the left of the Socialists, the disappearance of Sumar has reshaped the political landscape. Fifteen parties have joined the new Broad Front coalition led by former Barcelona mayor Ada Colau, while Podemos is running separately with Irene Montero as its lead candidate.[telesurtv]
Both candidates began their campaigns in Madrid with the housing emergency as their central priority. Colau’s slogan, “A Vote Like a House,” reflects her focus on social rights and affordable housing.[telesurtv]
Colau expressed willingness to form a coalition government with the Socialists but warned that simply resisting is not enough. She called for changing the rules of the game to curb inequality.[telesurtv]
Montero, running under the slogan “Peace, Home, and Work,” called for a “useful vote” to stop the right. She proposed intervening in the housing market to lower rents, banning real estate speculation, and requiring judges to declare their assets.[telesurtv]
A Campaign Shaped by the Housing Crisis
The Spain general election 2026 is unfolding against the backdrop of a deepening housing crisis. Rising rents, evictions, and the lack of affordable homes have become central concerns for millions of voters.[telesurtv]
The issue has brought together a wide range of political forces. From the Socialists to the Broad Front and Podemos, parties on the left are competing to present themselves as the best option to address the emergency.[telesurtv]
On the right, the Popular Party and Vox are also trying to capitalize on public frustration. Their messages combine criticism of the government with promises of stricter immigration controls and stronger security policies.[telesurtv]
Guiris go home. pic.twitter.com/H9skd6SkGx
— Irene Montero (@IreneMontero) November 13, 2026
Geopolitical Context
The Spain general election 2026 takes place at a time when Europe is grappling with rising inequality, migration pressures, and political polarization. The outcome will have implications not only for Spain but also for the broader European Union.
A victory for the left could reinforce progressive policies on housing, labor rights, and social protection. A win for the right could shift Spain toward stricter immigration controls and a more conservative approach to economic and social issues.[telesurtv]
The election also reflects a wider trend in Europe, where far-right parties are gaining ground by focusing on immigration and national identity. The result in Spain could influence political dynamics across the continent.[telesurtv]
What Comes Next
The campaign will run until November 29, when more than 38.7 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots. Of those, 35.9 million live in Spain and 2.7 million are registered abroad.[telesurtv]
Voting will begin at 9:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. on election day. Anyone still in line at a polling station when it closes will be allowed to vote.[telesurtv]
The next two weeks will determine whether Pedro Sánchez can secure another term or whether the right can take power. The housing crisis, immigration, and corruption will remain at the center of the debate.[telesurtv]
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