But Sunday’s polls have bolstered the position of the acting prime minister, Mariano Rajoy, after his People’s party (PP) cruised to an absolute majority in his home region of Galicia. They have also inflicted severe damage on Pedro Sánchez, the leader of the socialist PSOE party, whom many blame for the enduring deadlock that has beset Spain following two inconclusive general elections. They were overtaken in both polls by the anti-austerity party Podemos, which is also suffering from internal squabbles. Facebook Twitter Pinterest The Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) leader, Pedro Sánchez, leaving the party’s headquarters in Madrid after the elections. Unless the socialist leader can forge a viable coalition with Podemos and others, he could find his position challenged.

Source: The Guardian September 26, 2016 09:39 UTC