PM calls snap election after opposition’s local poll gains

The socialist prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, called a snap general election in response to the triumph of the rightwing opposition in last Sunday’s regional and municipal elections.

The conservative People’s party (PP) secured absolute majorities in Madrid, and took regions including Aragón, Valencia and the Balearic islands from the prime minister’s Spanish Socialist Workers’ party (PSOE).

However, in many regions the PP will have to strike deals with the far-right Vox party, which also increased its showing last Sunday.

Sánchez announced that he had informed King Felipe of his decision to dissolve parliament and call a general election on 23 July – five months before the next election was due to be held.

Sánchez said the votes transcended local considerations. “There’s only one infallible method for resolving those doubts – and that method is democracy,” he said. “As a result, I think the best thing is for Spanish men and women to have their say and to decide the country’s political direction as soon as possible.”