Spain's Socialists and hard-left Sumar reach coalition deal
Spain's Socialist party and hard-left Sumar said Tuesday they had reached an agreement to form a coalition government, a key step to reinstating acting Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for another term.
Spain is in political limbo since an inconclusive July general election which was won by the conservative Popular Party (PP) but without enough support to form a government.
Last month PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijóo lost a key parliamentary vote to become prime minister.
Sánchez, whose Socialists finished second, now has a chance. Sumar's support is crucial but not enough to ensure he will pass a confidence vote in the lower house of parliament.
Sánchez still needs the backing of smaller regional parties, including hardline Catalan separatists JxCat.
READ MORE: Catalan party says 'far' from backing Spain PM for new term
The deal reached between the Socialists and Sumar includes a proposal to reduce working hours without reducing salaries, measures to boost public housing and a "shock plan" against youth unemployment, the two parties said in a joint statement.
"This governing deal for a four-year legislative term will allow our country to continue growing in a sustainable manner and with quality employment, developing policies based on social and climate justice while broadening rights, feminist conquests and freedoms," they said.
Sánchez, in office since 2018, and the head of Sumar, acting Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, will officially ratify the deal at an event in Madrid at 12:30 pm (1030 GMT).
No date has been set for Sánchez to face the confidence vote. If no candidate for prime minister secures a majority by November 27, a repeat election will be called for January.
In exchange for its crucial support, JxCat is demanding an amnesty for hundreds of politicians and activists facing legal action over their role in Catalonia's failed 2017 secession bid, which sparked Spain's worst political crisis in decades.
The proposed amnesty has angered the right and some elements within Sánchez's party, who argue it jeopardises the rule of law.
READ ALSO: How the Spanish far left's criticism of Israel is creating a dilemma for Sánchez
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Spain is in political limbo since an inconclusive July general election which was won by the conservative Popular Party (PP) but without enough support to form a government.
Last month PP leader Alberto Nunez Feijóo lost a key parliamentary vote to become prime minister.
Sánchez, whose Socialists finished second, now has a chance. Sumar's support is crucial but not enough to ensure he will pass a confidence vote in the lower house of parliament.
Sánchez still needs the backing of smaller regional parties, including hardline Catalan separatists JxCat.
READ MORE: Catalan party says 'far' from backing Spain PM for new term
The deal reached between the Socialists and Sumar includes a proposal to reduce working hours without reducing salaries, measures to boost public housing and a "shock plan" against youth unemployment, the two parties said in a joint statement.
"This governing deal for a four-year legislative term will allow our country to continue growing in a sustainable manner and with quality employment, developing policies based on social and climate justice while broadening rights, feminist conquests and freedoms," they said.
Sánchez, in office since 2018, and the head of Sumar, acting Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz, will officially ratify the deal at an event in Madrid at 12:30 pm (1030 GMT).
No date has been set for Sánchez to face the confidence vote. If no candidate for prime minister secures a majority by November 27, a repeat election will be called for January.
In exchange for its crucial support, JxCat is demanding an amnesty for hundreds of politicians and activists facing legal action over their role in Catalonia's failed 2017 secession bid, which sparked Spain's worst political crisis in decades.
The proposed amnesty has angered the right and some elements within Sánchez's party, who argue it jeopardises the rule of law.
READ ALSO: How the Spanish far left's criticism of Israel is creating a dilemma for Sánchez
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