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Spain's PM Rajoy gets mixed regional poll results Spain's PM Rajoy gets mixed regional poll results
(35 minutes later)
Exit polls suggest that nationalist parties in Spain's Basque Country have won regional elections, an outcome likely to fuel calls for independence.Exit polls suggest that nationalist parties in Spain's Basque Country have won regional elections, an outcome likely to fuel calls for independence.
The conservative Basque Nationalist Party came top in the poll, closely followed by the Euskal Herria Bildu coalition of left-wing separatists.The conservative Basque Nationalist Party came top in the poll, closely followed by the Euskal Herria Bildu coalition of left-wing separatists.
In Galicia's regional poll, the centre-right People's Party of PM Mariano Rajoy held to its absolute majority.In Galicia's regional poll, the centre-right People's Party of PM Mariano Rajoy held to its absolute majority.
The elections are seen as a key test of the government's austerity policy.The elections are seen as a key test of the government's austerity policy.
They come only weeks weeks before elections in another Spanish region, Catalonia, where the momentum of nationalist parties calling for an independence referendum is also growing, the BBC's Tom Burridge in Madrid reports.They come only weeks weeks before elections in another Spanish region, Catalonia, where the momentum of nationalist parties calling for an independence referendum is also growing, the BBC's Tom Burridge in Madrid reports.
Landmark electionsLandmark elections
The exit polls say the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) is predicted to win 24-27 seats in the regional parliament, while Bildu will have 23-26.The exit polls say the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) is predicted to win 24-27 seats in the regional parliament, while Bildu will have 23-26.
The opposition Socialist Party is trailing in the third place with up to 15 seats, followed by the Popular Party (PP) with 11.The opposition Socialist Party is trailing in the third place with up to 15 seats, followed by the Popular Party (PP) with 11.
The Basque elections have been described as a landmark by analysts.The Basque elections have been described as a landmark by analysts.
Nearly 10 years ago, the political wing of the armed separatist group Eta was banned by the Spanish government - and therefore it was unable to compete in elections, our correspondent says.Nearly 10 years ago, the political wing of the armed separatist group Eta was banned by the Spanish government - and therefore it was unable to compete in elections, our correspondent says.
This triggered the establishment of the left-wing Bildu.This triggered the establishment of the left-wing Bildu.
The party represents the political ambitions of those, who in the past supported Eta, although unlike its predecessor, Bildu has publicly condemned the use of violence for political ends, our correspondent adds. The party represents the political ambitions of those who in the past supported Eta, although unlike its predecessor, Bildu has publicly condemned the use of violence for political ends, our correspondent adds.
In Mr Rajoy's native Galicia, his PP won between 39 and 42 seats in the 75-member regional assembly, the exit polls suggest.In Mr Rajoy's native Galicia, his PP won between 39 and 42 seats in the 75-member regional assembly, the exit polls suggest.
The Socialists are predicted to secure up to 20 seats.The Socialists are predicted to secure up to 20 seats.
Spain has been in economic difficulty since the 2008 global financial crisis caused a big crash in the property market, triggering huge losses at its banks.Spain has been in economic difficulty since the 2008 global financial crisis caused a big crash in the property market, triggering huge losses at its banks.
Its recession is forecast to deepen, and the country's 17 regional governments are laden with heavy debts.Its recession is forecast to deepen, and the country's 17 regional governments are laden with heavy debts.
Unemployment stands at about 25% nationally, and 21% in Galicia. There have been widespread protests against public spending cuts.Unemployment stands at about 25% nationally, and 21% in Galicia. There have been widespread protests against public spending cuts.