Spain: Socialists and podemos seek common coalition

The election in Spain did not produce clear majorities. Although the Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) has won new elections from Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, his party alone can not govern. Now, the Socialists and the Left Alliance Unidas Podemos (UP) have reached a preliminary agreement for a coalition.

High-ranking UP politician Alberto Garzón said on Twitter that Sánchez and UP leader Pablo Iglesias wanted to form a coalition government. Spain's media reported that Iglesias became deputy prime minister.

Both groups come in the 350-member "Congreso de los Diputados" but only 155 seats (PSOE 120 seats, UP 35 seats). Together, they are still a long way from the absolute majority of 176 seats and would need the support of other parties to form a government. (All results of the parliamentary elections can be found here.)

Sánchez had refused for months after the first election at the end of April for a coalition with Unidas Podemos. At that time, both parties still had ten seats more.