Spain to build 20,000 social houses on defence ministry land

FILE PHOTO: Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez speaks during a visit to Donana National Park, one of Europe's largest wetlands and a wintering location for migratory birds, after a plan to legalise irrigation around the wildlife reserve sparked an outcry during a prolonged drought, in Donana National Park, Spain, April 20, 2023. REUTERS/Jon Nazca/File Photo

MADRID (Reuters) - The Spanish government will build 20,000 homes for social housing on land owned by the defence ministry, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Tuesday.

The rising cost of rent is set to become a key campaign issue as Spain gears up for regional ballots on May 28 and a general election later in the year.