Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called a snap election following a heavy defeat for his coalition government in regional elections that cast doubt on his political future.
The snap election will take place on July 23, announced after the conservative party suffered a landslide defeat to the Socialist party.
The announcement will be seen as an attempt to limit internal plans to oust him ahead of the election, originally understood to take place in December.
"Although yesterday's election had a local and regional scope, the vote sent a clear message," Sanchez said in a televised speech. "I believe it is necessary to respond and submit our democratic mandate to the will of the people."
Sunday's election could see PP succeed in dominating eight regional governments from PSOE, although the outcome will largely depend on whether or not the party decides to form an alliance with Vox.
In comparison, the PP won a majority in Madrid under local leader Isabel Diaz Ayuso, as it did in Valencia and Seville.
