Elections got underway in the regions on Sunday amid a climate of instability in national politics as the government in Madrid lacks full powers because the conservative Popular Party (PP), while having won two previous general elections – in December and June 2015 – failed to achieve a majority in them and form a coalition with other parties. The party’s poor showing in Galicia and the Basque Country could also re-open an internal leadership debate.
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If no government emerges by then Spain, the eurozone’s fourth largest economy, will face an unprecedented third election around Christmas.
Rajoy’s party hopes a strong showing in Galicia on Sunday and the possibility of a postelection deal with the ruling Basque Nationalist Party will strengthen its hand.
Rajoy’s PP easily romped to an absolute majority in his native Galicia, a conservative stronghold.
In the Basque country in northern Spain, the PP came in fifth with 9 seats in the 75-seat assembly, down one seat, according to results after 99% of the ballots had been counted.
The conservative regional party, the Basque Nationalist Party, won most votes in the Basque Country, as expected, although not enough to rule by majority.
Basque Separatists are on course to win at least 16 seats, followed by Podemos on 13-15. It will now have to seek a coalition partner.
“It is a negative result in both regions”, he added.
Spain has not had a functioning government for nearly nine months. He is seeking to negotiate a leftwing coalition alternative with arch-rival Podemos.
But a weak result could put an end to this, either forcing Sanchez out or pressuring him into allowing the rightwing coalition government through by abstaining in another vote of confidence.
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The Socialists hold a leadership meeting on October 1 to review their party’s position on government talks in Madrid.
