Spanish election: future unclear as left-wing parties make big gains
Podemos and Ciudadanos hold balance of power but Socialists may hold the key, say analysts
Following a landmark general election yesterday, Spain faces political uncertainty after the ruling Popular Party (PP) lost its majority in parliament.
The Podemos and Ciudadanos parties were the big winners with Podemos winning 20.66% of the vote Ciudadanos claiming 13.93%.
The two traditional powerhouses of Spanish politics, the PP and the Socialists, remain the two largest parties with 28.72% and 22.01% of the vote respectively, but they face difficult coalition talks with the two smaller parties over the next few days.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"Spain is not going to be the same anymore and we are very happy," said Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias.
"The fact that the conservative PP came first with just 29% of the vote tells you how split this election was," says the BBC's Tom Burridge.
"In reality the PP will struggle to find the necessary allies to form another government." He added: "After corruption scandals and austerity, the political landscape here has been dramatically changed."
Spain's current prime minister, the PP's Mariano Rajoy, has vowed to battle on despite the results, saying: "I'm going to try and form a government, but it won't be easy."
The election debate was dominated by the economy with the prime minister credited for returning the Spanish economy to growth through the adoption of unpopular austerity measures and controversial job reforms legislation.
However, unemployment remains at 21 per cent, the second highest in Europe after Greece, and the prime minister has come under repeated personal attacks over recent months, including being punched in the face by a teenager.
Many analysts believe the Socialists, despite their worst election result in modern history, hold the key to Spain's political future. Emilio Saenz-Frances, a professor of history and international relations at Madrid’s Comillas Pontifical University, told the Guardian that the Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez must decide whether to try and take power himself or let the prime minister continue.
"The question is whether Sanchez will allow Rajoy to lead the government or whether Sanchez will try to build a coalition of several parties in order to take power," said Saenz-Frances.
"For the first time in the history of democracy in Spain, it's not clear how the most-voted party will be able to govern," he added.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - May 4, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - reflections in the pond, riding shotgun, and more
By The Week US Published
-
5 high-caliber cartoons about Kristi Noem shooting her puppy
Cartoons Artists take on the rainbow bridge, a farm upstate, and more
By The Week US Published
-
The Week Unwrapped: Why is the world running low on blood?
Podcast Scientists believe universal donor blood is within reach – plus, the row over an immersive D-Day simulation, and an Ozempic faux pas
By The Week Staff Published
-
Xi comes to Europe: what's on the agenda?
The Explainer China's president visiting for first time since 2019, with spotlight on support for Russia over Ukraine and trade tensions with EU
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Russia gains as Ukraine awaits US aid
Speed Read Ukrainian forces have retreated from several villages as the situation at the front line worsens
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Haiti interim council, prime minister sworn in
Speed Read Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigns amid surging gang violence
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Myanmar: the Spring Revolution and the downfall of the generals
Talking Point An armed protest movement has swept across the country since the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown in 2021
By The Week Staff Published
-
Israel hits Iran with retaliatory airstrike
Speed Read The attack comes after Iran's drone and missile barrage last weekend
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is there a peaceful way forward for Israel and Iran?
Today's Big Question Tehran has initially sought to downplay the latest Israeli missile strike on its territory
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Sudan on brink of collapse after a year of war
Speed Read 18 million people face famine as the country continues its bloody downward spiral
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How powerful is Iran?
Today's big question Islamic republic is facing domestic dissent and 'economic peril' but has a vast military, dangerous allies and a nuclear threat
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published