Spain Calls for Early Elections After Regional Defeat

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a socialist, called for early legislative elections on Monday, urging voters to support his main rival, the conservative party leader, after leftist parties faced a significant defeat in regional and local elections. Sánchez described the loss as a clear vote of no confidence in his coalition government. He announced that the general elections would take place on July 23, stating that he felt compelled to "take personal responsibility for the results." The Popular Party, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, gained complete control over two regional governments and may govern six additional governments in partnership with the far-right Vox party.