By Smartencyclopedia Newsroom *

In a surprising turn of events, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced an early general election scheduled for July 23. This decision comes in response to the significant setbacks suffered by his Socialist party in the recent local and regional elections.

Prior to the disappointing election results, Sánchez had expressed his intention to complete his four-year term in a coalition government with leftist partner United We Can, suggesting that the next election would be held in December. However, the outcome of the local and regional votes has prompted a change of plans.

Explaining his decision, Sánchez stated, “I have taken this decision given the results of the elections held yesterday,” speaking from the Moncloa presidential palace on Monday.

These challenges for Sánchez and the PSOE party arise just as Spain is set to assume the rotating presidency of the European Union on July 1, adding further complexity to the political landscape.

Source: With Agencies