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Spain leftist leaders inch towards possible government deal Spain PM Rajoy turns down king's offer to form new government
(about 2 hours later)
The leader of Spain's Socialists (PSOE) has cautiously backed the idea of forming a "progressive" leftist government if acting PM Mariano Rajoy cannot get enough votes in parliament. Spain's acting Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, has turned down the offer of King Felipe to be the first candidate to try to form a government.
The PSOE's Pedro Sanchez was commenting on a proposal from Pablo Iglesias, leader of left-wing Podemos (We Can). Mr Rajoy said he did not have the support to win a confidence vote in parliament, necessary to take office.
But Prime Minister Rajoy - the centre-right winner of the December election - should first try to win a confidence vote in parliament, Mr Sanchez said. Earlier the leader of Spain's Socialists (PSOE) cautiously backed the idea of forming a "progressive" leftist government with Podemos (We Can).
The election result was inconclusive. December's election result was inconclusive.
Mr Rajoy's Popular Party (PP) won, but without a clear majority. Both the PSOE and Podemos (second and third in the election, respectively) have ruled out forming a coalition government with the PP.Mr Rajoy's Popular Party (PP) won, but without a clear majority. Both the PSOE and Podemos (second and third in the election, respectively) have ruled out forming a coalition government with the PP.
Mr Sanchez said reaching an agreement on policies must be the first step: "The logical thing is to discuss policies, and then to discuss a possible government formation. New negotiations
"Podemos and PSOE voters would not understand it if Pablo Iglesias and myself did not agree." King Felipe nominated Mr Rajoy to form a government on Friday after a week of talks with party leaders.
A future government must win a confidence vote in parliament in order to take office. If, two months later, there is still no parliamentary approval, the country will have to hold a fresh election. A fresh round of negotiations is due to start on Wednesday after the acting PM turned down the offer.
King steps in In a statement published by the PP, Mr Rajoy said he would continue to fight to lead the government but "right now I do not have the majority of votes in favour".
King Felipe spent Friday meeting Spain's main political leaders separately. He was acting as a facilitator but no early breakthrough was expected in the negotiations to form a coalition government. A future government must win a confidence vote in parliament in order to take office. Without parliamentary approval, the country would have to hold a fresh election.
It is the first time in 40 years that the king has had such an influential role after an election. For decades the PP and PSOE alternated in power, with secure majorities. Mr Rajoy said "the most important thing [for the country] is to give a message of stability".
Correspondents say the king is likely to ask the opposition PSOE's Pedro Sanchez to try to form a new administration.
It is the first time in 40 years that the monarch has had such an influential role after an election. For decades the PP and PSOE alternated in power, with secure majorities.
The former king, Juan Carlos, oversaw Spain's democratic transition after the death of nationalist dictator Gen Francisco Franco in 1975.The former king, Juan Carlos, oversaw Spain's democratic transition after the death of nationalist dictator Gen Francisco Franco in 1975.
Mr Iglesias said he had told the king of "our desire to form a government of change with the Socialists and the United Left [IU]", and that he would seek the post of deputy prime minister. 'Government of change'
Podemos politicians should also get the social policy, economy, defence and interior ministry posts, he said. Mr Rajoy's announcement on Friday came just hours after Mr Sanchez said he was open to an idea put forward by Pablo Iglesias, leader of left-wing Podemos, for a "progressive" leftist coalition.
The PSOE says it will only consider a leftist coalition with Podemos if the latter drops its support for an independence referendum in Catalonia. Mr Iglesias earlier said he had told the king of "our desire to form a government of change with the Socialists and the United Left [IU]", and that he would seek the post of deputy prime minister.
Between them, the PSOE, Podemos and the United Left would still fall short of an overall majority, having won a combined 161 seats in the 350-seat Congress. Podemos politicians should also get the social policy, economy, defence and interior ministry posts, he added.
Spain country profileSpain country profile
Uncertain future for Spain after electionUncertain future for Spain after election
Mr Sanchez said reaching an agreement on policies must be the first step: "The logical thing is to discuss policies and then to discuss a possible government formation.
"Podemos and PSOE voters would not understand it if Pablo Iglesias and myself did not agree."
'Social emergency'
The PSOE says it will only consider a leftist coalition with Podemos if the latter drops its support for an independence referendum in Catalonia.
Between them, the PSOE, Podemos and the United Left would still fall short of an overall majority, having won a combined 161 seats in the 350-seat Congress.
Mr Iglesias says his priority is "social emergency" legislation to help families threatened with eviction and other socially vulnerable groups, such as poor pensioners.Mr Iglesias says his priority is "social emergency" legislation to help families threatened with eviction and other socially vulnerable groups, such as poor pensioners.
Many Catalans want a referendum on independence but Podemos is the only one of Spain's major parties to back the idea.Many Catalans want a referendum on independence but Podemos is the only one of Spain's major parties to back the idea.
There is speculation now that Podemos might give way to the PSOE on that issue, in order to reach a coalition government deal.There is speculation now that Podemos might give way to the PSOE on that issue, in order to reach a coalition government deal.