The Spanish Socialists (PSOE) and the left-wing Sumar Alliance have agreed on a program for a joint government coalition. But they still need the support of Catalan separatists to gain a majority in parliament.
Spanish King Felipe VI had already instructed previous Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to form a government in early October (see video above). The conservative Alberto Núñez Feijóo previously failed to win a majority. The center-right camp narrowly missed a majority of votes in the July 23 parliamentary elections.
Sánchez can now count on the support of the left-wing Sumar alliance; his socialists have already responded with the left. However, he is mainly dependent on regional parties, including those from the Basque Country, but especially on Catalan independence supporters. The latter demand something in return for their support. There should be an amnesty for activists who failed in their separatist cause in 2017. This is extremely controversial.
Not a majority yet
The Socialists only came second in the early parliamentary elections, behind the conservative People’s Party (PP) led by party leader Feijóo. Together, the PSOE and Sumar, as coalition partners, have only 152 out of a total of 350 MPs. Sánchez still needs the votes of the left-wing ERC party of Catalan Prime Minister Pere Aragonès and the conservative Junts party of separatist leader Carles Puigdemont, who lives in exile in Belgium.
Time until November 27th
If no head of government is found by November 27, new elections will be held on January 14. Even without a majority, the PSOE and Sumar have already agreed on a program that includes climate justice, “feminist conquests and freedoms,” a reduction in youth unemployment and more social housing.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
