Spain calls snap general election as Saborea Lanzarote food fair is postponed

This month, Lanzarote will be plastered with posters, banners, hoardings and other political publicity, as Spanish voters prepare to elect a new government on Sunday 29th November.

Pedro Sánchez, the President of the Spanish Government, announced a snap general election on 5th October, just days after two bills intended to address the housing crisis in Spain were defeated by right-wing opposition parties.

The defeat of the bills, which included measures guaranteeing extension of rental agreements, rent caps, restrictions of purchases by “vulture funds,” and tax breaks for landlords and tenants, led to widespread protests throughout Spain.

It also highlighted Sánchez’s impotence since his government lost its ruling majority after the Catalan Junts party withdrew their support last year.

In his speech announcing the election, Sánchez asked the Spanish people whether they wanted to “join the far-right wave that drives regression wherever it governs, or to ensure that Spain remains a bastion of openness, social justice, and environmental responsibility.”

“IT’S UP TO YOU NOW,” HE SAID

While Sánchez has enjoyed popularity abroad for his support for Ukraine, his firm opposition to the conflicts in Iran and Gaza and an optimistic, welcoming attitude to immigration; his popularity on his home turf has suffered several blows recently.

Corruption allegations relating to his wife and close associates and the arrival of thousands of migrants to Ceuta have dented his image, and although current opinion polls indicate that the Socialists are likely to be the most-voted party, a pact between the conservative PP and the far-right Vox party seems to be the most likely result that will form a majority government.

Sánchez is counting on the anger caused by the defeat of his housing measures to mobilise support from left-wing voters. He will also be hoping that the prospect of a far-right party entering government for the first time will rally support.

Sánchez has headed Spain’s government since 2018. Originally dismissed as a good-looking lightweight, he has shown himself to be a canny political operator with a knack for taking risks and winning. November, however, could be his last throw of the dice.

FOOD FESTIVAL POSTPONED

The announcement of the General Election has meant that organisers of the Saborea Lanzarote Food Fair have postponed the event until March next year.

The Food Fair, which was scheduled for the 28th and 29th of November in La Villa de Teguise, will now take place on the weekend of the 19th -21st March, after the carnival season on the island comes to an end.

The decision will come as a severe disappointment to tourists who may have booked a holiday to coincide with the event, which is the largest food fair on the Canaries.