Oct 10, Kathmandu - As protests rage in Spain over its housing crisis, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez launched his campaign for mid-term elections on Saturday.

Sanchez, who has decided to hold elections before the general election scheduled for 2027, is trying to return to power. He has announced that the elections will be held on November 29.

Housing protests in Spain have intensified after the eviction of 87-year-old pensioner Maricarmen Abascal from her home two weeks ago. The incident, which has become a symbol of the country's long-term housing crisis, increased pressure on the government to take immediate action.

Political pressure increased after the minority government led by Prime Minister Sanchez failed to pass a housing proposal through parliament. He then announced the mid-term elections.

Sanchez, who has been in power since 2018, is also known in international politics. His confrontation with US President Donald Trump and Israel has attracted the attention of progressive groups around the world. However, he is known as a controversial leader within Spain. His party is trailing the main opposition conservative People's Party (PP) in polls.

At an election rally on Saturday, Sanchez pledged to strengthen laws protecting tenants from property speculation if his party wins an outright majority.

He paid tribute to Abascal, praising the efforts of all those campaigning for fair housing. Abascal died in hospital on Wednesday.

Rising rents and a housing shortage have become major political issues in Spain, posing a challenge for the Sanchez-led government in the upcoming elections.