The Spanish parliament has been dissolved and a general election called for March 14th.
After a special cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar met King Juan Carlos, who signed a decree ratifying the government's already announced decision to go to the polls.
The most recent opinion polls show Mr Aznar's centre-right Popular Party well placed to retain power. However, he has maintained that he is not interested in taking up a third term as prime minister. Former deputy premier Mr Mariano Rajoy is his appointed successor.
Under Mr Aznar, Spain has moved closer to the United States, staunchly backing President George W Bush's decision to go to war in Iraq. The opposition Socialists have accused him of breaking with Spain's traditional allies, France and Germany.
A poll for radio station Cadena Ser shows the PP widening its lead over the Socialists among decided voters to four percentage points from two points in a similar poll a fortnight ago.
Another poll, for television station Telecinco, found Mr Rajoy with an 11-point lead over Socialist leader Mr Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero - sufficient to retain an outright parliamentary majority.