The defeat in parliament on Friday was another political setback for Pedro Sanchez, one of the few European prime ministers from the political left still in power. (EPA Images pic)

MADRID: Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez said Monday he would call an early election on Nov 29, after parliament rejected housing relief measures proposed by his minority government.

The defeat in parliament on Friday was another political setback for the Socialist premier, one of the few European prime ministers from the political left still in power.

"To do more, we need to renew and broaden the support of the people," Sanchez, in office since 2018, said in a televised address, adding his aim was "to secure a much broader, progressive majority in parliament".