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Spain’s Socialists reach coalition deal with far-left Podemos party
- Preliminary agreement comes just two days after fourth election in four years delivers highly fragmented parliament
- This would be first such power-sharing deal in country’s modern history
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Spain’s Socialists and the radical left wing Podemos party agreed in principle on Tuesday to form a coalition government in what would be the first such power-sharing deal in the country’s modern history.
The announcement came just days after Spain held its fourth election in as many years, from which Socialist Prime Minister Pedro emerged a winner but weakened, with the far-right Vox transformed into parliament’s third-largest party.
But a government formed by the two parties would need the support of other factions to pass an investiture vote because they would be short of the 176 seats needed for a majority in the 350-seat parliament.
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The legislature has been mired in deadlock since an inconclusive election in April which the Socialists won but without a majority – in an outcome that was repeated on Sunday.
Sanchez called Sunday’s election in the hope of strengthening his hand after months of negotiations between the Socialists and Podemos failed to reach a deal – a gamble that ultimately failed.
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