In Spain there are signs of new elections in autumn. Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez made it clear today that he did not want to get involved in a coalition with the Left Party Unidas Podemos. „This is not feasible,“ he said at the launch of a reform program on issues such as labor market and pension policy, which should also address Podemos.
Even if both parties could not form a coalition, there was an overlap in terms of content regarding „progressive politics“. He also offered Podemos to take posts outside the Cabinet and to include in the government and independent. However, as Reuters learned from the environment of Sanchez, the chances are considered relatively low that still succeeds in forming a government.
Months of futile negotiations
The Socialists had emerged as the strongest force from the April election. Nevertheless, they have failed to bring together a majority in parliament. Podemos boss Pablo Iglesias called Sanchez ‚reform proposals interesting. He insists, however, that his party be more involved in the government’s responsibility.
If the socialists fail to set up a government by 23 September, a new election will be held on 10 November, calling on the Spanish people for the fourth time in four years to elect a new national parliament.
Catalonia as a big issue
The mood heated up by the dispute over the secessionist tendencies in Catalonia and the fragmented spectrum of parties prevented the formation of coalitions across camp boundaries. Sanchez made it clear again that he was against a referendum on independence in Catalonia.
