Naharnet

Spain's Socialists Refuse to Back Rajoy Bid to Form New Govt.

The leader of Spain's Socialists said Wednesday his party will not back acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's bid to form a new government following an inclusive weekend election.

"We were clear: we will vote against the continuity of the Popular Party at the helm of the government, with Mariano Rajoy as prime minister," Pedro Sanchez told a news conference after holding talks with Rajoy for the first time since Sunday's election.

With the Popular Party winning only 123 seats -- far short of the 176 it needs for an absolute majority -- it is seeking to form a minority government.

Two do so it needs the Socialist PSOE, which came in second with 90 seats, to support it during a vote of confidence in parliament.

If the Popular Party fails to form a government, Sanchez said the Socialists would "explore all options for there to be a government of change".

With leftwing parties holding the balance of power in the new parliament, the Socialists could form a government by joining forces with Podemos and other smaller nationalist forces.

That outcome would mirror events in neighboring Portugal where the ruling conservatives won an October election but fell to a Socialist government backed by leftist parties just days later.

Under Spanish law, the new parliament must be called by January 13, after which lawmakers have two months to elect a government. If they fail, the acting prime minister has to call a new election.

Sanchez said holding fresh elections should be the "last option" to overcome the impasse.

Source: Agence France Presse


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