Advertisement

Sánchez set to be Spain's PM again after Thursday vote in parliament

AFP
AFP - [email protected]
Sánchez set to be Spain's PM again after Thursday vote in parliament
Socialist leader and acting PM Pedro Sánchez and hard-left Sumar's Yolanda Díaz look set to become PM and Deputy PM fo the next four years. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP)

The Spanish parliament will vote Thursday to confirm the new government of Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who is assured of a majority after securing the support of Catalan separatists.

Advertisement

The parliamentary debate will begin Wednesday at 1100GMT with a vote of confidence expected Thursday, said lower house president Francina Armengol.

In exchange for the votes of the Catalan separatist parties, Sánchez agreed to a controversial amnesty for those involved in a failed 2017 secession attempt.

READ ALSO: Spain's amnesty dilemma - the 'end of democracy' or logical next step?

Advertisement

With the support of the far left, with whom he has ruled for the past three years, as well as parties representing Basques, Catalans and the Canary Islands, Sánchez can expect to receive 179 votes, with 176 needed for a majority.

READ ALSO: What has 'lawfare' got to do with Spain's amnesty and why is it controversial?

Sánchez's Socialists came second in legislative elections on July 23rd but Alberto Núñez Feijóo, head of the Popular Party, which came first, was unable to cobble together a working majority in parliament, leaving the door open for Sanchez to try.

Last Thursday he secured the support of seven deputies from the movement of Catalan independence leader Carles Puigdemont.

The amnesty plan has severely split Spanish public opinion, with hundreds of thousands of people demonstrating against it Sunday across the country.

IN IMAGES: Thousands of Spaniards rally against amnesty for Catalan rebels

 

More

Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.

Please log in to leave a comment.

See Also