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Spain’s Socialists stage 2nd attempt to form government Spain’s Socialists fail again in bid to form government
(35 minutes later)
MADRID — Spain’s political leaders on Friday debated the bid by Socialist Party chief Pedro Sanchez to form a government ahead of a vote he appears set to lose, an outcome that would extend the nation’s political paralysis following inconclusive December elections. MADRID — Spain’s Socialist Party has failed for the second time to form a government following inconclusive elections in December that have fragmented the country’s political system.
Sanchez lost his first try Wednesday when he got just 130 votes in the 350-member lower house of Parliament — 90 from his Socialists and 40 from the new business friendly Ciudadanos party. The Socialists lost 131-219 in the 350-member lower house of Parliament in a vote on Socialist Party leader Pedro Sanchez to become prime minister and lead a new government
The conservative Popular Party, led by acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, and the new far-left newcomer Podemos party were expected to join with several small parties Friday to once again deny Sanchez’ attempt at becoming prime minister. The vote Friday night came two days after Sanchez’ first attempt failed.
If Sanchez fails in the second attempt mandated by law, Parliament has two months to choose a new government. And if no parties manage to do so, a new national election will be called for June 26. Spain’s political parties now have two months to try to form a government. If they fail, another national election will be held on June 26.
The Popular Party came in first in the Dec. 20 election but fell far short of winning back the parliamentary majority it held from 2011 to 2015. The Socialists got second place. Spain’s traditional two party political system was shattered on Dec. 20 when upstart parties Podemos and Ciudadanos made big inroads.
Podemos and Cuidadanos took third and fourth places in their national election debuts. The conservative Popular Party got the most votes in the election but failed to regain its parliamentary majority.
They benefited from widespread voter outrage over Spain’s 21 percent unemployment rate, unpopular austerity measures invoked by the Popular Party and corruption scandals hitting the Popular and Socialist parties that have alternated ruling the nation for decades.
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Associated Press writer Ciaran Giles in Madrid contributed to this report.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.