MADRID (Sputnik) — Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) is ready to form a new Spanish government if acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy refuses to face a parliamentary vote on the resumption of his position, the party’s leader, Pedro Sanchez, said Tuesday.
On January 22, the People’s Party (PP) leader Rajoy rejected King Felipe VI’s offer to stand as a prime minister candidate, citing lack of parliamentary support, but said he was "maintaining" his candidacy and would continue negotiating.
"Rajoy’s refusal blocked the situation. The Socialists are ready, if Mariano Rajoy refuses again, to try to form a government and to rescue democracy in Spain," Sanchez said at a press conference after consultations with King Felipe VI.
28 December 2015, 15:20 GMT
On December 20, Spain held a general election that ended the established two-party system, in place in the country for more than 30 years. PP won 123 seats in the lower house of parliament, 64 less that in the previous election. The PSOE won 90, and left-wing Podemos came third, securing 69 seats. At least 176 seats are required for a parliamentary majority, necessary to form a government.
Should the deadlock continue for two months a new general election will have to be held later this year.
