Spanish Prime Minister Announces Early Elections Following Defeat

Background

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced on Monday that early legislative elections would be held on July 23 in Spain, the day after a clear defeat of the left against the conservatives in a local and regional competition.

Election Announcement

In a televised address, Sanchez said he had informed King Felipe VI of his “decision … to dissolve parliament and proceed to call general elections” to be held “on Sunday, July 23”.

Reasoning Behind Decision

The Prime Minister justified his decision on the basis of the results of the regional and municipal elections of 28 May.

According to the election results, the conservative People’s Party – the traditional rival of Sánchez’s Socialist Workers’ Party of Spain – won the majority of the 12 autonomous entities.