Spain's Sanchez predicts election victory despite opposition lead in polls

"These elections can be summed up in one very simple idea: either the past advances or Spain advances," Sanchez told El Pais on Sunday, predicting a broader progressive parliamentary majority.

He dismissed surveys suggesting the conservative People's Party (PP) and far-right Vox could hold a lead of up to 15%, warning that a right-wing coalition would threaten social rights, including abortion and euthanasia.

"In a democracy, alternation is positive. But a PP government with Vox does not represent an alternation; it is a real regression. It means going back 40 years, 50 years at once," he said.

Addressing growing public frustration over housing affordability, Sanchez defended his government's record but called for stronger market regulation and expanded affordable housing, accusing conservative parties of blocking legislative measures.

He also pledged to raise the minimum wage before the election and urged employers to increase salaries amid inflation of 4.9%, which he largely attributed to the war in Iran.

On immigration, Sanchez defended his government's regularization policies, arguing that migrant workers were essential to sustaining Spain's welfare system amid demographic decline.

"The dilemma is whether we want to be an open and prosperous society or a closed and decadent one, without the capacity or manpower to sustain the current welfare state," the prime minister said, stressing "the migration must, of course, be orderly."

Scale of deadly Ceuta crisis couldn't have been anticipated

Regarding the deadly July migration crisis in Ceuta, where 141 people died, Sanchez acknowledged that authorities had received warnings but insisted no security or intelligence service anticipated the scale of the tragedy.

He defended his government's response and rejected suggestions of Moroccan involvement without evidence, warning against escalating diplomatic tensions with a neighboring country based on assumptions.

"I cannot open a diplomatic escalation with a neighboring country simply based on assumptions," he said.

Asked about his brother David Sanchez's conviction and legal proceedings involving his wife Begona Gomez, Sanchez accused far-right associations and media outlets of targeting his family for political reasons.

"They are being tried for being the brother and wife of the prime minister," he said, insisting on their innocence and integrity.

"In these two cases, the red lines of a democracy have been crossed. First, because they are innocent. Second, because they are people of integrity," Sanchez said. "And third, because political attacks like those Begona and David are suffering from far-right associations and media should not be launched."

Sanchez also acknowledged corruption involving former minister Jose Luis Abalos as his "biggest mistake" during eight years in office.

"The corruption of Abalos. For the double mistake of not having seen it and, of course, of it happening," he said.