<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pedro-says-no-independence-for-catalonia-208738">Spain's new parliament</a> will vote on whether to grant socialist leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-pm-pedro-sanchez-win-snap-polls-marked-by-far-right-gains-214244">Pedro Sanchez</a> a second term as prime minister on July 23, the speaker of the chamber announced Tuesday.

Parliamentary speaker Meritxell Batet told reporters the debate over Sanchez's candidacy would begin on July 22 and the vote would take place the following day.

If Sanchez fails to get an absolute majority &nbsp;176 votes or more he will only require a simple majority more "yes" than "no" votes in a second vote two days later, she added.

"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-turnout-for-spains-early-election-marked-by-far-right-emergence-214232">Spain</a> needs a Government as soon as possible to continue advancing towards equality," Sanchez tweeted in response to the announcement.

With no parliamentary majority, outgoing premier Sanchez may struggle to find the support he needs in the first vote.

Although his Socialist Party won the most seats in the April 28 election, that was just 123 seats in the 350-seat assembly.

To be sworn in again as prime minister Sanchez will need the support of far-left Podemos which has 42 seats and several other smaller, regional parties.

But Podemos wants to be part of a ruling coalition, a condition Sanchez has refused.

The simple majority required in the second vote means Sanchez could be voted prime minister if the main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) and centre-right Ciudadanos simply abstained from voting.

But the two parties have so far refused to abstain from voting to make it easier for Sanchez to be sworn in.

Sanchez wants to avoid relying on the abstention of the Catalan separatist parties, as the right routinely accuses him of being held hostage by the separatists.

Sanchez came to power in June 2018 with the help of the separatists by ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote.

But it was the Catalan separatists who triggered the snap polls in April by refusing to back his 2019 budget.

If Sanchez is not sworn in within two months of the first investiture vote, fresh elections must be called in November and Spain has already held three national elections in the past three and a half years.

Spain has never had a coalition government since it returned to democracy following the death of longtime dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

Spain's new parliament will vote on whether to grant socialist leader Pedro Sanchez a second term as prime minister on July 23, the speaker of the chamber announced Tuesday.

Spain's new parliament will vote on whether to grant socialist leader Pedro Sanchez a second term as prime minister on July 23, the speaker of the chamber announced Tuesday. Parliamentary speaker Meritxell Batet told reporters the debate over Sanchez's candidacy would begin on July 22 and the vote would take place the following day. If Sanchez fails to get an absolute majority 176 votes or more he will only require a simple majority more "yes" than "no" votes in a second vote two days later, she added. "Spain needs a Government as soon as possible to continue advancing towards equality," Sanchez tweeted in response to the announcement. With no parliamentary majority, outgoing premier Sanchez may struggle to find the support he needs in the first vote. Although his Socialist Party won the most seats in the April 28 election, that was just 123 seats in the 350-seat assembly. To be sworn in again as prime minister Sanchez will need the support of far-left Podemos which has 42 seats and several other smaller, regional parties. But Podemos wants to be part of a ruling coalition, a condition Sanchez has refused. The simple majority required in the second vote means Sanchez could be voted prime minister if the main opposition conservative Popular Party (PP) and centre-right Ciudadanos simply abstained from voting. But the two parties have so far refused to abstain from voting to make it easier for Sanchez to be sworn in. Sanchez wants to avoid relying on the abstention of the Catalan separatist parties, as the right routinely accuses him of being held hostage by the separatists. Sanchez came to power in June 2018 with the help of the separatists by ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote. But it was the Catalan separatists who triggered the snap polls in April by refusing to back his 2019 budget. If Sanchez is not sworn in within two months of the first investiture vote, fresh elections must be called in November and Spain has already held three national elections in the past three and a half years. Spain has never had a coalition government since it returned to democracy following the death of longtime dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

Spain's Pedro Sanchez to seek second term as Prime Minister in July 23 parliament vote

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-five-main-election-candidates-214069">snap elections Sunday</a> without the necessary majority to govern solo in a fragmented political landscape marked by the far-right's entry into parliament.

The results raise the spectre of another period of instability for Spain, with Sanchez depending on alliances with hostile rivals in an environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid in 2017.

A significant development was the rise of the ultra-nationalist Vox party, which garnered just over 10 per cent of the vote in a country that has had no far-right party to speak of since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

Sanchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) got 123 lawmakers out of 350, or close to 29 per cent of votes -- short of an absolute majority but much better than the 85 seats it got in 2016.

"The Socialists have won the general election and with it the future has won and the past has lost," he told cheering supporters from the balcony of the party's headquarters in Madrid, claiming victory late Sunday.

The big loser was the conservative Popular Party (PP), which bagged 66 seats compared to 137 in the previous election that saw it govern Spain with a minority government.

Possible alliances

Sanchez, who came to power in June after ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, could seek to forge alliances with far-left Podemos and smaller groupings like Catalan separatist parties, as he had done over the past 10 months.

He could also try to cosy up to centre-right Ciudadanos, which won 57 seats. Together, they would form an absolute majority but voters from both parties would likely frown on such a move.

"I hope Sanchez won't reach an agreement with Ciudadanos, I want a left-wing government," 51-year-old Esther Lopez, said at the Socialist Party headquarters, wearing earrings marked "PSOE."

Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera, built his campaign on disparaging Sanchez, criticising his attempts to negotiate with Catalan separatist parties in a bid to ease a secession crisis in the northeastern region.

Far-right emergence

The crisis in Catalonia was precisely what fuelled Vox's meteoric rise from the outer margins of politics to the national scene, after gaining nearly 11 per cent of votes in December regional polls in southern Andalusia.

Founded by Santiago Abascal, a disgruntled former PP member, it will now take 24 seats in the national parliament.

This is less than what opinion polls had predicted.

"I thought Vox would get way more votes, with this result Vox won't have any weight in parliament as no one supports them. We needed more seats," said Maria Bonilla Ortega, a 22-year-old philosophy student in central Madrid, a Spanish flag draped around her shoulders.

Abascal was more optimistic: "We can tell Spain with complete calm that Vox has come to stay," he told cheering supporters.

After a tense campaign, voter turnout was high at 75.76 per cent, up from 66.48 per cent in 2016, election authorities said.

Catalonia shadow

With a strong stance against feminism and illegal immigration, Vox stood out with ultra-nationalist rhetoric advocating the "defence of the Spanish nation to the end" and a hard line against separatists in Catalonia.

The region in northeastern Spain was the scene of a secession attempt in 2017 that sparked the country's biggest political crisis in decades and caused major concern in Europe.

The issue has continued to cast a pall over Spanish politics.

Sanchez was forced to call Sunday's elections after Catalan pro-independence lawmakers in the national parliament, angered at the trial of their leaders in Madrid, refused to give him the support he needed for his 2019 budget.

Right-wing parties for their part lambasted Sanchez, at the head of a minority government, for talking with separatists who still govern the region, accusing him of cosying up to those who tried to break up Spain.

That controversy is likely to continue as two Catalan separatist parties gained even more lawmakers in the national parliament than they did in 2016 -- up to 22 from 17.

In a sign of the impact the crisis had on voters, Dolores Palomo, a 48-year-old domestic worker, said she had always voted for the socialists but cast her ballot for Ciudadanos this time at a polling station in Hospitalet de Llobregat, near Barcelona.

The reason? Sanchez "is a puppet of the separatists," she said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won snap elections Sunday without the necessary majority to govern solo in a fragmented political landscape marked by the far-right's entry into parliament.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won snap elections Sunday without the necessary majority to govern solo in a fragmented political landscape marked by the far-right's entry into parliament. The results raise the spectre of another period of instability for Spain, with Sanchez depending on alliances with hostile rivals in an environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid in 2017. A significant development was the rise of the ultra-nationalist Vox party, which garnered just over 10 per cent of the vote in a country that has had no far-right party to speak of since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975. Sanchez's Socialist Party (PSOE) got 123 lawmakers out of 350, or close to 29 per cent of votes -- short of an absolute majority but much better than the 85 seats it got in 2016. "The Socialists have won the general election and with it the future has won and the past has lost," he told cheering supporters from the balcony of the party's headquarters in Madrid, claiming victory late Sunday. The big loser was the conservative Popular Party (PP), which bagged 66 seats compared to 137 in the previous election that saw it govern Spain with a minority government. Possible alliances Sanchez, who came to power in June after ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, could seek to forge alliances with far-left Podemos and smaller groupings like Catalan separatist parties, as he had done over the past 10 months. He could also try to cosy up to centre-right Ciudadanos, which won 57 seats. Together, they would form an absolute majority but voters from both parties would likely frown on such a move. "I hope Sanchez won't reach an agreement with Ciudadanos, I want a left-wing government," 51-year-old Esther Lopez, said at the Socialist Party headquarters, wearing earrings marked "PSOE." Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera, built his campaign on disparaging Sanchez, criticising his attempts to negotiate with Catalan separatist parties in a bid to ease a secession crisis in the northeastern region. Far-right emergence The crisis in Catalonia was precisely what fuelled Vox's meteoric rise from the outer margins of politics to the national scene, after gaining nearly 11 per cent of votes in December regional polls in southern Andalusia. Founded by Santiago Abascal, a disgruntled former PP member, it will now take 24 seats in the national parliament. This is less than what opinion polls had predicted. "I thought Vox would get way more votes, with this result Vox won't have any weight in parliament as no one supports them. We needed more seats," said Maria Bonilla Ortega, a 22-year-old philosophy student in central Madrid, a Spanish flag draped around her shoulders. Abascal was more optimistic: "We can tell Spain with complete calm that Vox has come to stay," he told cheering supporters. After a tense campaign, voter turnout was high at 75.76 per cent, up from 66.48 per cent in 2016, election authorities said. Catalonia shadow With a strong stance against feminism and illegal immigration, Vox stood out with ultra-nationalist rhetoric advocating the "defence of the Spanish nation to the end" and a hard line against separatists in Catalonia. The region in northeastern Spain was the scene of a secession attempt in 2017 that sparked the country's biggest political crisis in decades and caused major concern in Europe. The issue has continued to cast a pall over Spanish politics. Sanchez was forced to call Sunday's elections after Catalan pro-independence lawmakers in the national parliament, angered at the trial of their leaders in Madrid, refused to give him the support he needed for his 2019 budget. Right-wing parties for their part lambasted Sanchez, at the head of a minority government, for talking with separatists who still govern the region, accusing him of cosying up to those who tried to break up Spain. That controversy is likely to continue as two Catalan separatist parties gained even more lawmakers in the national parliament than they did in 2016 -- up to 22 from 17. In a sign of the impact the crisis had on voters, Dolores Palomo, a 48-year-old domestic worker, said she had always voted for the socialists but cast her ballot for Ciudadanos this time at a polling station in Hospitalet de Llobregat, near Barcelona. The reason? Sanchez "is a puppet of the separatists," she said.

Spain PM Pedro Sanchez wins snap polls marked by far-right gains

Spain's culture and sports minister Maxim Huerta resigned Wednesday after it emerged he has been fined for tax fraud, in a blow to the Socialist government that took over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pedro-sanchez-sworn-in-as-new-spanish-prime-minister-141841">only last week</a>.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez ousted conservative Mariano Rajoy with a June 1 no-confidence vote in parliament sparked by corruption convictions against former senior officials of his Popular Party (PP).

Sanchez won praise worldwide for appointing a cabinet made up mostly of women as well as for offering to take in a ship with 629 migrants aboard when Italy's populist government and Malta refused them safe port.

But the string of positive press coverage ended Wednesday when online daily El Confidencial reported that Huerta, an award-winning author and television celebrity, evaded 218,322 euros ($256,462) in tax between 2006-2008 by using a shell company.

A court last year ordered that he pay over 360,000 euros to the tax office -- the amount he tried to evade plus fines and interest payments, it added.

"I am stepping down," Huerta told a news conference a week after he was sworn in on June 7, adding that the fine stemmed from a change in criteria used by the tax authority.

According to Spanish media, Huerta's term in office is the shortest of any minister in Spain's modern history.

"I have paid this fine twice," he said.

"The first time to the tax office...and I am paying it for the second time here, conscious that innocence is not worth anything before this pack of hounds," Huerta added in a reference to a firestorm sparked by the fraud report.

He said he was fully up to date with his tax payments and stressed he had decided to resign "autonomously".

No tolerance

The leader of anti-establishment party Podemos, which backed the Socialist party's no-confidence vote in parliament, had called for Huerta's resignation.

"We will not back behaviours which remind us of the PP," Pablo Iglesias told journalists earlier Wednesday.

"If Maxim Huerta tried to defraud the tax office, he should resign immediately, and if not, Pedro Sanchez should dismiss him."

In a Twitter message after the resignation, Iglesias said the prime minister had initially backed Huerta but "Spain is no longer what it was".

"As we said this morning, citizens no longer tolerate these things. I commend the government for hearing and rectifying," he added.

The PP also demanded Huerta's resignation while centrist party Ciudadanos called on him to explain himself to lawmakers.

Huerta will be replaced by Jose Guirao, who headed Madrid's Reina Sofia modern art museum between 1994 and 2001, the government said.

'Hated'&nbsp;sports&nbsp;

During a TV interview in 2015, Sanchez, who was then head of the opposition Socialists, said that if he learned that a top party official used a company to pay less taxes, he would fire them.

Huerta had already sparked controversy when he was appointed a minister after media uncovered a Twitter message from 2010 where he said he "hated" sports.

He adjusted his views, saying, "I am not athletic, I say this because of everything that has emerged.

"I don't like to practise sports, but I love sports.

"That doesn't mean anything. I will support and love sports and support all athletes because they are heroes and heroines," he added.

Huerta was one of just six men in Sanchez's government, among 11 women, the most of any administration in modern Spanish history.

He is well known in Spain having spent years as a presenter on popular morning television show "El Programa de Ana Rosa", which mixes celebrity gossip with politics and social issues.

Maxim Huerta, an award-winning author and television celebrity, evaded 218,322 euros ($256,462) in tax between 2006-2008 by using a shell company, the online daily El Confidencial reported

Spain's culture and sports minister Maxim Huerta resigned Wednesday after it emerged he has been fined for tax fraud, in a blow to the Socialist government that took over only last week. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez ousted conservative Mariano Rajoy with a June 1 no-confidence vote in parliament sparked by corruption convictions against former senior officials of his Popular Party (PP). Sanchez won praise worldwide for appointing a cabinet made up mostly of women as well as for offering to take in a ship with 629 migrants aboard when Italy's populist government and Malta refused them safe port. But the string of positive press coverage ended Wednesday when online daily El Confidencial reported that Huerta, an award-winning author and television celebrity, evaded 218,322 euros ($256,462) in tax between 2006-2008 by using a shell company. A court last year ordered that he pay over 360,000 euros to the tax office -- the amount he tried to evade plus fines and interest payments, it added. "I am stepping down," Huerta told a news conference a week after he was sworn in on June 7, adding that the fine stemmed from a change in criteria used by the tax authority. According to Spanish media, Huerta's term in office is the shortest of any minister in Spain's modern history. "I have paid this fine twice," he said. "The first time to the tax office...and I am paying it for the second time here, conscious that innocence is not worth anything before this pack of hounds," Huerta added in a reference to a firestorm sparked by the fraud report. He said he was fully up to date with his tax payments and stressed he had decided to resign "autonomously". No tolerance The leader of anti-establishment party Podemos, which backed the Socialist party's no-confidence vote in parliament, had called for Huerta's resignation. "We will not back behaviours which remind us of the PP," Pablo Iglesias told journalists earlier Wednesday. "If Maxim Huerta tried to defraud the tax office, he should resign immediately, and if not, Pedro Sanchez should dismiss him." In a Twitter message after the resignation, Iglesias said the prime minister had initially backed Huerta but "Spain is no longer what it was". "As we said this morning, citizens no longer tolerate these things. I commend the government for hearing and rectifying," he added. The PP also demanded Huerta's resignation while centrist party Ciudadanos called on him to explain himself to lawmakers. Huerta will be replaced by Jose Guirao, who headed Madrid's Reina Sofia modern art museum between 1994 and 2001, the government said. 'Hated' sports During a TV interview in 2015, Sanchez, who was then head of the opposition Socialists, said that if he learned that a top party official used a company to pay less taxes, he would fire them. Huerta had already sparked controversy when he was appointed a minister after media uncovered a Twitter message from 2010 where he said he "hated" sports. He adjusted his views, saying, "I am not athletic, I say this because of everything that has emerged. "I don't like to practise sports, but I love sports. "That doesn't mean anything. I will support and love sports and support all athletes because they are heroes and heroines," he added. Huerta was one of just six men in Sanchez's government, among 11 women, the most of any administration in modern Spanish history. He is well known in Spain having spent years as a presenter on popular morning television show "El Programa de Ana Rosa", which mixes celebrity gossip with politics and social issues.

Spanish culture minister quits after 1 week on the job; accused of tax fraud

Socialist Pedro Sanchez's arrival to power in Spain has brought a glimmer of hope that icy ties will thaw between Madrid and Catalan separatists, who are wary of the new leader but happy that veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy has gone.

It was Catalan separatist lawmakers -- along with Basque nationalists -- who swung the balance in favour of a no-confidence vote brought Friday against Rajoy due to corruption woes afflicting his party.

As opposition leader, 46-year-old economist Sanchez was deeply critical of Catalonia's secession bid last October.

He backed Rajoy's imposition of direct rule on the region after separatist leaders declared Catalan independence.

But he softened his tone as Catalan separatist lawmakers in the national parliament backed his no-confidence motion. He has said he wants to "build bridges" with the new regional separatist government.

The fall of the conservatives in Madrid, along with the start of a new executive in Catalonia, could allow "the situation to improve," says Joan Botella, politics professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona.

Sanchez's speech in parliament was not particularly ambitious where the wealthy divided region is concerned, he says.

But he could profit from divisions within the separatist camp.

The more moderate want to ditch the unilateral route to independence after several separatist leaders were jailed over their role in the secession bid.

Meanwhile radicals like deposed president Carles Puigdemont, who is currently in Germany in self-exile, are in favour of keeping the conflict alive.

Sanchez's swearing-in on Saturday coincided with that of new Catalan president Quim Torra's executive, which automatically triggers the end of direct rule.

"The pro-independence movement is declining, there are internal divisions and with the new government Puigdemont is going to be less important," says Botella.

"So maybe Sanchez will be lucky."

Lesser evil

Things have not gone off to a good start.

Torra, a hardline separatist, criticised for writing tweets or articles deemed offensive to Spaniards, was described by Sanchez as a "racist" and "supremacist."

Sanchez even dubbed Torra the Jean-Marie Le Pen of Spanish politics, referring to the controversial former far-right leader in France.

"The worst insults came from him and people from his (Socialist) party," said a regional presidency source, who wished to remain anonymous.

"We don't have a good opinion at all, but Rajoy was clearly worse. At least he's of fresh disposition, and can defuse the situation and allow some detente."

Since Rajoy came to power in 2011, ties between Madrid and Barcelona have consistently worsened.

The tensions escalated still further in the autumn with police violence during a banned independence referendum on October 1, a subsequent failed proclamation of a republic and the imposition of direct rule.

Even if Sanchez supported Rajoy in his response to the Catalan crisis, generally &nbspspeaking the Socialists have been more attuned to Catalan claims than the conservative Popular Party (PP).

Since 2013, they have called for a federal reform of Spain to give semi-autonomous regions more power and Sanchez has even defined Catalonia as a "nation."

"Even if the PSOE (Socialist party) has tried hard to look like the Popular Party... in Catalonia we know there are differences," Joan Tarda, a lawmaker with the separatist ERC party, said this week in the national parliament.

Little room for manoeuvre

Adding to this, the main supporter of the Socialists in the no-confidence vote was far-left Podemos, which defends the right to hold an independence referendum in Catalonia.

"There could be a change, maybe not substantial but more like an offer for dialogue, the will to reopen channels to find a negotiated solution to the conflict," says Berta Barbet, editor of political analysis website Politikon.

But any concessions to Catalan separatists could be rejected by members of Sanchez's own party, the PP and especially Ciudadanos, the centre-right party that is on the rise in opinion polls for its aggressive anti-independence stance.

"There will be very strong opposition," acknowledges Barbet.

"But if there is a moment when the PSOE could make a different offer to de-escalate the conflict, it's now, because part of Spanish society has realised how important it is to resolve the Catalan issue."

It was Catalan separatist lawmakers -- along with Basque nationalists -- who swung the balance in favour of a no-confidence vote brought Friday against Rajoy due to corruption woes afflicting his party

Socialist Pedro Sanchez's arrival to power in Spain has brought a glimmer of hope that icy ties will thaw between Madrid and Catalan separatists, who are wary of the new leader but happy that veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy has gone. It was Catalan separatist lawmakers -- along with Basque nationalists -- who swung the balance in favour of a no-confidence vote brought Friday against Rajoy due to corruption woes afflicting his party. As opposition leader, 46-year-old economist Sanchez was deeply critical of Catalonia's secession bid last October. He backed Rajoy's imposition of direct rule on the region after separatist leaders declared Catalan independence. But he softened his tone as Catalan separatist lawmakers in the national parliament backed his no-confidence motion. He has said he wants to "build bridges" with the new regional separatist government. The fall of the conservatives in Madrid, along with the start of a new executive in Catalonia, could allow "the situation to improve," says Joan Botella, politics professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Sanchez's speech in parliament was not particularly ambitious where the wealthy divided region is concerned, he says. But he could profit from divisions within the separatist camp. The more moderate want to ditch the unilateral route to independence after several separatist leaders were jailed over their role in the secession bid. Meanwhile radicals like deposed president Carles Puigdemont, who is currently in Germany in self-exile, are in favour of keeping the conflict alive. Sanchez's swearing-in on Saturday coincided with that of new Catalan president Quim Torra's executive, which automatically triggers the end of direct rule. "The pro-independence movement is declining, there are internal divisions and with the new government Puigdemont is going to be less important," says Botella. "So maybe Sanchez will be lucky." Lesser evil Things have not gone off to a good start. Torra, a hardline separatist, criticised for writing tweets or articles deemed offensive to Spaniards, was described by Sanchez as a "racist" and "supremacist." Sanchez even dubbed Torra the Jean-Marie Le Pen of Spanish politics, referring to the controversial former far-right leader in France. "The worst insults came from him and people from his (Socialist) party," said a regional presidency source, who wished to remain anonymous. "We don't have a good opinion at all, but Rajoy was clearly worse. At least he's of fresh disposition, and can defuse the situation and allow some detente." Since Rajoy came to power in 2011, ties between Madrid and Barcelona have consistently worsened. The tensions escalated still further in the autumn with police violence during a banned independence referendum on October 1, a subsequent failed proclamation of a republic and the imposition of direct rule. Even if Sanchez supported Rajoy in his response to the Catalan crisis, generally &nbspspeaking the Socialists have been more attuned to Catalan claims than the conservative Popular Party (PP). Since 2013, they have called for a federal reform of Spain to give semi-autonomous regions more power and Sanchez has even defined Catalonia as a "nation." "Even if the PSOE (Socialist party) has tried hard to look like the Popular Party... in Catalonia we know there are differences," Joan Tarda, a lawmaker with the separatist ERC party, said this week in the national parliament. Little room for manoeuvre Adding to this, the main supporter of the Socialists in the no-confidence vote was far-left Podemos, which defends the right to hold an independence referendum in Catalonia. "There could be a change, maybe not substantial but more like an offer for dialogue, the will to reopen channels to find a negotiated solution to the conflict," says Berta Barbet, editor of political analysis website Politikon. But any concessions to Catalan separatists could be rejected by members of Sanchez's own party, the PP and especially Ciudadanos, the centre-right party that is on the rise in opinion polls for its aggressive anti-independence stance. "There will be very strong opposition," acknowledges Barbet. "But if there is a moment when the PSOE could make a different offer to de-escalate the conflict, it's now, because part of Spanish society has realised how important it is to resolve the Catalan issue."

Small glimmer of hope in Catalan crisis with new Spain PM

Socialist Pedro Sanchez was sworn in on Saturday as Spain's seventh head of government since its return to democracy in the late 1970s, taking over from veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy who was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/parliament-ousts-spain-pm-replaced-by-socialist-leader-141570">ousted</a> on Friday over a corruption scandal.

One of Sanchez' main challenges will be to try and find a way out of the crisis in the wealthy Catalonia region, where a new nationalist government was due to be sworn in on Saturday.

Sanchez was sworn in as Spanish prime minister before King Felipe, his right hand on the constitution -- the first time that was not done with the Bible or a crucifix.

Sanchez became prime minister with only 84 seats for his Socialist Party in the 350-member assembly thanks to support from the hard-left Podemos and smaller nationalist parties.

He said he intends to steer the country through to mid-2020 when the parliamentary term ends.

But his majority - the smallest for a Spanish government since the return to democracy following Francisco Franco's death in 1975, makes it unclear how long his administration can last.

Sanchez's predecessor the veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy was ousted on Friday over a corruption scandal

Socialist Pedro Sanchez was sworn in on Saturday as Spain's seventh head of government since its return to democracy in the late 1970s, taking over from veteran conservative Mariano Rajoy who was ousted on Friday over a corruption scandal. One of Sanchez' main challenges will be to try and find a way out of the crisis in the wealthy Catalonia region, where a new nationalist government was due to be sworn in on Saturday. Sanchez was sworn in as Spanish prime minister before King Felipe, his right hand on the constitution -- the first time that was not done with the Bible or a crucifix. Sanchez became prime minister with only 84 seats for his Socialist Party in the 350-member assembly thanks to support from the hard-left Podemos and smaller nationalist parties. He said he intends to steer the country through to mid-2020 when the parliamentary term ends. But his majority - the smallest for a Spanish government since the return to democracy following Francisco Franco's death in 1975, makes it unclear how long his administration can last.

Pedro Sanchez sworn in as new Spanish Prime Minister

A populist government in Rome, political instability in Madrid, democratic crises in the east and a transatlantic trade war to the west: the European Union faces threats and challenges on multiple fronts.

On Friday, Italy's President Sergio Mattarella swore in an anti-establishment and eurosceptic government comprising the Five Star Movement and the far-right League.

Their agenda -- increased public spending in the EU's most indebted nation, coupled with anti-German rhetoric -- has led to concerns for the bloc's future and its single currency, the euro.

Also&nbsp;Friday, Spain's parliament ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over.

"In Spain, it's a localised issue about corruption, but Italy is obviously very serious," John Springford of the London-based Centre for European Reform (CER) think-tank said.

"It is too big to fail in terms of the eurozone and too big to save."

While Italy is clearly the most pressing danger facing the 28-member bloc, it is not the only one.

Asked this week if Rome had become Europe's Achilles Heel, Gianni Riotta from the Council on Foreign Relations joked: "How many heels can Europe sport? Greece, the United Kingdom, Poland, Hungary -— too many, I'd say."

In eastern Europe, European Union officials fret that nationalist governments in Poland and Hungary are undermining democratic standards such as the independence of the judiciary and media freedom.

Brussels launched unprecedented legal action against Warsaw in December over "systemic threats" to the independence of the Polish judiciary.

Britain, meanwhile, is engaged in the painful and at times bitter negotiations to leave the European Union, having decided to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum.

And Greece is still recovering from its economic depression caused by a sovereign debt crisis which led to multiple bailouts by its EU partners since 2010 that exposed deep tensions in the bloc.

"Europe makes me think of someone that is on the edge of a precipice, even a little bit further along. Its nails are already in the air," former German foreign minister Joschka Fischer said this week.

Veteran financier George Soros, an outspoken proponent of greater EU integration, also warned in recent days that the project was facing "an existential crisis -- everything that could go wrong has gone wrong".

Along with its internal issues, the EU faces some of the most serious problems in transatlantic relations since World War II sparked by a series of combative decisions by US President Donald Trump

From scrapping the 2015 Iran deal against the wishes of his EU partners to imposing trade tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, Trump has pursued his "American First" agenda with little regard for America's traditional allies.&nbsp;

Some analysts say they believe Trump could be the catalyst Europe needs to finally become a more cohesive bloc that comes together to act more forcefully in the face of external threats.

"Trump will perhaps succeed where no one has succeeded before him: by uniting the Europeans," said Pascale Joannin, director of the Robert Schuman think-tank.

This was French President Emmanuel Macron's hope after his election last May when he came to power promising to reform the EU and arguing that its members needed to club together in an increasingly dangerous world.

He has pitched a vision for the future in which the bloc goes further in linking its economies, political systems and armies to face a range of contemporary threats, from trade and migration to international terrorism and climate change.

A key part of his vision is wealthy northern EU members, particularly Germany, showing more solidarity towards weaker and indebted southern nations such as Italy where economies and wages have stagnated.

"I personally think that President Macron plays a vital role in brokering a new north-south settlement in the eurozone," former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg told AFP this week.

But German Chancellor Angela Merkel has so far failed to respond to Macron's ideas, and the new populist government in Rome makes a positive reaction even less likely, said Springford of the CER.

"My sense is that Italy is probably the nail in the coffin for Macron's reforms," he said.

Timothy Garton Ash, a British historian and author, depicted Macron as the only hope for Europe in a column published by the Guardian newspaper&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;-- but he was pessimistic about his chances.

"Italy is having a nervous breakdown, Spain weighed down by trouble at home, Poland throwing a massive wobbly, Britain hovering near the exit, and Germany slumped on the sofa. Talk about a dysfunctional family," he wrote.

A populist government in Rome, political instability in Madrid, democratic crises in the east and a transatlantic trade war to the west: the European Union faces threats and challenges on multiple fronts

A populist government in Rome, political instability in Madrid, democratic crises in the east and a transatlantic trade war to the west: the European Union faces threats and challenges on multiple fronts. On Friday, Italy's President Sergio Mattarella swore in an anti-establishment and eurosceptic government comprising the Five Star Movement and the far-right League. Their agenda -- increased public spending in the EU's most indebted nation, coupled with anti-German rhetoric -- has led to concerns for the bloc's future and its single currency, the euro. Also Friday, Spain's parliament ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over. "In Spain, it's a localised issue about corruption, but Italy is obviously very serious," John Springford of the London-based Centre for European Reform (CER) think-tank said. "It is too big to fail in terms of the eurozone and too big to save." While Italy is clearly the most pressing danger facing the 28-member bloc, it is not the only one. Asked this week if Rome had become Europe's Achilles Heel, Gianni Riotta from the Council on Foreign Relations joked: "How many heels can Europe sport? Greece, the United Kingdom, Poland, Hungary -— too many, I'd say." In eastern Europe, European Union officials fret that nationalist governments in Poland and Hungary are undermining democratic standards such as the independence of the judiciary and media freedom. Brussels launched unprecedented legal action against Warsaw in December over "systemic threats" to the independence of the Polish judiciary. Britain, meanwhile, is engaged in the painful and at times bitter negotiations to leave the European Union, having decided to leave the bloc in a 2016 referendum. And Greece is still recovering from its economic depression caused by a sovereign debt crisis which led to multiple bailouts by its EU partners since 2010 that exposed deep tensions in the bloc. "Europe makes me think of someone that is on the edge of a precipice, even a little bit further along. Its nails are already in the air," former German foreign minister Joschka Fischer said this week. Veteran financier George Soros, an outspoken proponent of greater EU integration, also warned in recent days that the project was facing "an existential crisis -- everything that could go wrong has gone wrong". Along with its internal issues, the EU faces some of the most serious problems in transatlantic relations since World War II sparked by a series of combative decisions by US President Donald Trump From scrapping the 2015 Iran deal against the wishes of his EU partners to imposing trade tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, Trump has pursued his "American First" agenda with little regard for America's traditional allies. Some analysts say they believe Trump could be the catalyst Europe needs to finally become a more cohesive bloc that comes together to act more forcefully in the face of external threats. "Trump will perhaps succeed where no one has succeeded before him: by uniting the Europeans," said Pascale Joannin, director of the Robert Schuman think-tank. This was French President Emmanuel Macron's hope after his election last May when he came to power promising to reform the EU and arguing that its members needed to club together in an increasingly dangerous world. He has pitched a vision for the future in which the bloc goes further in linking its economies, political systems and armies to face a range of contemporary threats, from trade and migration to international terrorism and climate change. A key part of his vision is wealthy northern EU members, particularly Germany, showing more solidarity towards weaker and indebted southern nations such as Italy where economies and wages have stagnated. "I personally think that President Macron plays a vital role in brokering a new north-south settlement in the eurozone," former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg told AFP this week. But German Chancellor Angela Merkel has so far failed to respond to Macron's ideas, and the new populist government in Rome makes a positive reaction even less likely, said Springford of the CER. "My sense is that Italy is probably the nail in the coffin for Macron's reforms," he said. Timothy Garton Ash, a British historian and author, depicted Macron as the only hope for Europe in a column published by the Guardian newspaper on Thursday -- but he was pessimistic about his chances. "Italy is having a nervous breakdown, Spain weighed down by trouble at home, Poland throwing a massive wobbly, Britain hovering near the exit, and Germany slumped on the sofa. Talk about a dysfunctional family," he wrote.

The European Union counts its crises as problems mount

Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over.&nbsp;

An absolute majority of 180 lawmakers voted for the motion to loud applause and shouts of "Yes we can," converting Rajoy into the first prime minister to be ousted by such a vote since Spain transitioned to democracy in 1977.

The bespectacled 63-year-old leader got up and shook hands with Sanchez before leaving the lower house without a word.

Rajoy had already admitted defeat minutes before the vote, knowing that an absolute majority of lawmakers as diverse as Catalan separatists and Basque nationalists had pledged their support for the no-confidence motion.

"It's been an honour -- there is none bigger -- to have been Spain's prime minister," he told parliament, with lawmakers from his conservative Popular Party (PP) giving him a standing ovation.

Sanchez, Spain's 46-year-old opposition leader, had instigated the no-confidence motion last week after a court revealed details of a vast system of bribes given to former PP officials in exchange for lucrative public contracts between 1999-2005.

After years of anger over the scandals tainting the PP, corruption finally got the better of the party and sealed Rajoy's downfall.

"Today we are signing a new page in the history of democracy in our country," Sanchez told parliament prior to the vote.

But PP lawmaker Rafael Hernando told him he would be entering the prime minister's office "through the back door" after failing to win 2015 and 2016 general elections.

"For the first time we may get a prime minister who didn't win elections," he retorted.&nbsp;

Tough ride for Sanchez 
In order to push through the no-confidence motion, the Socialists, who hold just 84 of the parliament's 350 seats, had to cosy up to parties they had previously clashed with, like Catalan separatists and the anti-establishment Podemos.

As such, even if he has pledged to govern long enough to restore "institutional stability" before calling early elections, Sanchez's new government will likely be highly unstable.

Podemos has already asked to be part of his new government.

Aitor Esteban of the Basque PNV nationalist party, whose support proved decisive for the motion's success, on Thursday warned that such a minority government would be "weak and difficult, complicated."

"This is going to be a constant bing, bang, boom."

A scandal too far 
Although Rajoy survived a similar no-confidence vote last year, Friday's ballot draws a line under his rollercoaster time in office which began in 2011 and saw him implementing drastic spending cuts before winning re-election in 2015 and 2016.&nbsp;

Despite winning the last two votes, he lacked the absolute majority of his first term.

He put Spain back onto the path of growth after a devastating economic crisis although unemployment remains sky-high, jobs precarious and many complain inequalities have risen.

But his term in office was also marred by a series of corruption scandals involving former PP members.

Last week the National Court, which deals with major criminal cases, sentenced 29 people with links to the PP, including a former treasurer, to a total of 351 years in jail.&nbsp;

It also ordered the party to pay back 245,000 euros ($290,000) received from the scheme to help finance election campaigns.

'What moral authority'? 
Rajoy became Spain's first sitting prime minister to give evidence at trial when he was called as a witness last year.

In its ruling, the court said the credibility of Rajoy's testimony "should be questioned".

During Thursday's pre-vote debate, Rajoy said the corruption case "does not concern members of the government" and repeated the party's argument that only a tiny number of its politicians have been tainted by corruption.

He also hit back by listing the many graft cases involving the Socialists over the years.

"Are you Mother Teresa of Calcutta? With what moral authority do you speak?" he told Sanchez.

The no-confidence vote launched by Rajoy's rival Socialist party chief Pedro Sanchez proved the nail in the coffin of a man variously described as an uncharismatic and rigid do-nothing or a stellar strategist with strong political acumen

Spain's parliament on Friday ousted Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote sparked by fury over his party's corruption woes, with his Socialist arch-rival Pedro Sanchez automatically taking over. An absolute majority of 180 lawmakers voted for the motion to loud applause and shouts of "Yes we can," converting Rajoy into the first prime minister to be ousted by such a vote since Spain transitioned to democracy in 1977. The bespectacled 63-year-old leader got up and shook hands with Sanchez before leaving the lower house without a word. Rajoy had already admitted defeat minutes before the vote, knowing that an absolute majority of lawmakers as diverse as Catalan separatists and Basque nationalists had pledged their support for the no-confidence motion. "It's been an honour -- there is none bigger -- to have been Spain's prime minister," he told parliament, with lawmakers from his conservative Popular Party (PP) giving him a standing ovation. Sanchez, Spain's 46-year-old opposition leader, had instigated the no-confidence motion last week after a court revealed details of a vast system of bribes given to former PP officials in exchange for lucrative public contracts between 1999-2005. After years of anger over the scandals tainting the PP, corruption finally got the better of the party and sealed Rajoy's downfall. "Today we are signing a new page in the history of democracy in our country," Sanchez told parliament prior to the vote. But PP lawmaker Rafael Hernando told him he would be entering the prime minister's office "through the back door" after failing to win 2015 and 2016 general elections. "For the first time we may get a prime minister who didn't win elections," he retorted. Tough ride for Sanchez In order to push through the no-confidence motion, the Socialists, who hold just 84 of the parliament's 350 seats, had to cosy up to parties they had previously clashed with, like Catalan separatists and the anti-establishment Podemos. As such, even if he has pledged to govern long enough to restore "institutional stability" before calling early elections, Sanchez's new government will likely be highly unstable. Podemos has already asked to be part of his new government. Aitor Esteban of the Basque PNV nationalist party, whose support proved decisive for the motion's success, on Thursday warned that such a minority government would be "weak and difficult, complicated." "This is going to be a constant bing, bang, boom." A scandal too far Although Rajoy survived a similar no-confidence vote last year, Friday's ballot draws a line under his rollercoaster time in office which began in 2011 and saw him implementing drastic spending cuts before winning re-election in 2015 and 2016. Despite winning the last two votes, he lacked the absolute majority of his first term. He put Spain back onto the path of growth after a devastating economic crisis although unemployment remains sky-high, jobs precarious and many complain inequalities have risen. But his term in office was also marred by a series of corruption scandals involving former PP members. Last week the National Court, which deals with major criminal cases, sentenced 29 people with links to the PP, including a former treasurer, to a total of 351 years in jail. It also ordered the party to pay back 245,000 euros ($290,000) received from the scheme to help finance election campaigns. 'What moral authority'? Rajoy became Spain's first sitting prime minister to give evidence at trial when he was called as a witness last year. In its ruling, the court said the credibility of Rajoy's testimony "should be questioned". During Thursday's pre-vote debate, Rajoy said the corruption case "does not concern members of the government" and repeated the party's argument that only a tiny number of its politicians have been tainted by corruption. He also hit back by listing the many graft cases involving the Socialists over the years. "Are you Mother Teresa of Calcutta? With what moral authority do you speak?" he told Sanchez.

Parliament ousts Spain PM, replaced by Socialist leader

Spain's Socialist Party on Saturday pledged to hold new elections within months if its attempt to unseat Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy with a parliamentary no-confidence vote succeeds.

The country's biggest opposition party, led by Pedro Sanchez, filed the motion seeking Rajoy's ouster in the 350-seat lower house of parliament on Friday.

No date has been set for the vote, but the bid is being taken seriously in Madrid where a legislative election is not due for another two years.

The surprise move came a day after Rajoy's Popular Party (PP) was found guilty of benefiting from illegal funds in a massive graft trial.

"The PP leadership is concerned and does not totally rule out that the number of votes needed to overturn the government could be found," the La Razon newspaper, considered close to the PP, said on Saturday.

The Socialists also clarified their strategy on Saturday.

If Sanchez can get the absolute majority required in parliament and replace Rajoy, the party intends "to govern for the amount of time it considers appropriate (and) then call an election" after "some months", said one of his spokespeople, the former culture minister Carmen Calvo.&nbsp

The Socialists can already count on the support of anti-establishment Podemos but would need to convince Catalan separatists and Basque nationalists -- or the liberal Ciudadanos party -- to ensure a majority.

Rajoy's allies Ciudadanos, who have overtaken the PP in some recent polls thanks to a hard line on Catalan separatism, immediately said it would oppose the no-confidence motion and instead called for snap polls.

Ciudadanos number two Jose Manuel Villegas said Saturday that he was ready to talk to the Socialists about "another way of calling elections immediately".

Analysts said Ciudadanos has no reason to support a no-confidence motion that could lead to an alternative leftwing government headed by the Socialists.

Judas of Spanish politics

The Basque Nationalist Party has promised to "study the proposal", its president Andoni Ortuzar said Saturday, questioning if the no-confidence move was "serious and viable" or just electioneering.

Rajoy, a devoted Real Madrid fan, cancelled his trip to the Champions League final in Kiev to deal with the crisis and his lieutenants counter-attacked in the media.

"Pedro Sanchez will go down in history like the Judas of Spanish politics," said PP's Fernando Martinez-Maillo, accusing the Socialist leader of seeking power on the back of "separatists who want to destroy Spain".

Spain's National Court said Thursday it had uncovered a vast system of bribes given to former PP officials in exchange for lucrative public contracts between 1999 and 2005.

The court sentenced 29 people to jail for a total of 351 years for corruption, embezzlement and money laundering in the so-called Gurtel trial.

The PP itself was not on trial for direct involvement in the scheme but was found to have benefited from funds obtained illegally through "an authentic and efficient system of institutional corruption" including a slush fund. It was ordered to pay back 245,000 euros ($290,000).

The country's biggest opposition party, led by Pedro Sanchez, filed the motion seeking Rajoy's ouster in the 350-seat lower house of parliament on Friday

Spain's Socialist Party on Saturday pledged to hold new elections within months if its attempt to unseat Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy with a parliamentary no-confidence vote succeeds. The country's biggest opposition party, led by Pedro Sanchez, filed the motion seeking Rajoy's ouster in the 350-seat lower house of parliament on Friday. No date has been set for the vote, but the bid is being taken seriously in Madrid where a legislative election is not due for another two years. The surprise move came a day after Rajoy's Popular Party (PP) was found guilty of benefiting from illegal funds in a massive graft trial. "The PP leadership is concerned and does not totally rule out that the number of votes needed to overturn the government could be found," the La Razon newspaper, considered close to the PP, said on Saturday. The Socialists also clarified their strategy on Saturday. If Sanchez can get the absolute majority required in parliament and replace Rajoy, the party intends "to govern for the amount of time it considers appropriate (and) then call an election" after "some months", said one of his spokespeople, the former culture minister Carmen Calvo. The Socialists can already count on the support of anti-establishment Podemos but would need to convince Catalan separatists and Basque nationalists -- or the liberal Ciudadanos party -- to ensure a majority. Rajoy's allies Ciudadanos, who have overtaken the PP in some recent polls thanks to a hard line on Catalan separatism, immediately said it would oppose the no-confidence motion and instead called for snap polls. Ciudadanos number two Jose Manuel Villegas said Saturday that he was ready to talk to the Socialists about "another way of calling elections immediately". Analysts said Ciudadanos has no reason to support a no-confidence motion that could lead to an alternative leftwing government headed by the Socialists. Judas of Spanish politics The Basque Nationalist Party has promised to "study the proposal", its president Andoni Ortuzar said Saturday, questioning if the no-confidence move was "serious and viable" or just electioneering. Rajoy, a devoted Real Madrid fan, cancelled his trip to the Champions League final in Kiev to deal with the crisis and his lieutenants counter-attacked in the media. "Pedro Sanchez will go down in history like the Judas of Spanish politics," said PP's Fernando Martinez-Maillo, accusing the Socialist leader of seeking power on the back of "separatists who want to destroy Spain". Spain's National Court said Thursday it had uncovered a vast system of bribes given to former PP officials in exchange for lucrative public contracts between 1999 and 2005. The court sentenced 29 people to jail for a total of 351 years for corruption, embezzlement and money laundering in the so-called Gurtel trial. The PP itself was not on trial for direct involvement in the scheme but was found to have benefited from funds obtained illegally through "an authentic and efficient system of institutional corruption" including a slush fund. It was ordered to pay back 245,000 euros ($290,000).

Spain's Socialists vow election in months if PM loses no-confidence vote

Spain's centrist Ciudadanos, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's ally in parliament,&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;called for a snap poll after Rajoy's conservative Popular Party was sentenced in a major graft trial.

But Ciudadanos will oppose a no-confidence motion filed against Rajoy by the main opposition Socialists, party secretary general Jose Manuel Villegas told a news conference.

"Corruption has liquidated this legislature. The solution is strengthening Spain by giving voice to Spaniards...so we have a renewed government," he said.

The no-confidence motion "is not Ciudadanos' motion", he said. "We will oppose this motion and ask that Spaniards be given their say and that elections be called."

To succeed, the no-confidence motion will need the support of an absolute majority of 176 lawmakers, a difficult task as opposition parties are deeply divided.

This means it would have to be backed by either Ciudadanos or by several tiny regional parties, including Catalan separatist parties along with far-left party Podemos which has already called for a no-confidence vote.

Ciudadanos has surged in the polls, winning votes from Rajoy's party and the Socialists, thanks to its hardline stance against Catalonia's separatist push.

Analysts say it has no reason to support a no-confidence motion that would lead to an alternative left-wing government.

The party will oppose a no-confidence motion filed against Rajoy by the main opposition Socialists

Spain's centrist Ciudadanos, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's ally in parliament, on Friday called for a snap poll after Rajoy's conservative Popular Party was sentenced in a major graft trial. But Ciudadanos will oppose a no-confidence motion filed against Rajoy by the main opposition Socialists, party secretary general Jose Manuel Villegas told a news conference. "Corruption has liquidated this legislature. The solution is strengthening Spain by giving voice to Spaniards...so we have a renewed government," he said. The no-confidence motion "is not Ciudadanos' motion", he said. "We will oppose this motion and ask that Spaniards be given their say and that elections be called." To succeed, the no-confidence motion will need the support of an absolute majority of 176 lawmakers, a difficult task as opposition parties are deeply divided. This means it would have to be backed by either Ciudadanos or by several tiny regional parties, including Catalan separatist parties along with far-left party Podemos which has already called for a no-confidence vote. Ciudadanos has surged in the polls, winning votes from Rajoy's party and the Socialists, thanks to its hardline stance against Catalonia's separatist push. Analysts say it has no reason to support a no-confidence motion that would lead to an alternative left-wing government.

Spain's Ciudadanos seeks snap polls after ruling party's graft conviction

A German court on Thursday rejected an extradition request for Catalonia's former leader Carles Puigdemont on the charge of rebellion for his role in the campaign for the region's independence.

The court agreed to release Puigdemont on bail and said extradition to Spain was possible on the lesser charge of misuse of public funds. The former Catalan leader was arrested last month on a Spanish-issued arrest warrant as he entered Germany.

The ruling means Puigdemont, who fled Spain five months ago for Belgium after Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dismissed his regional administration, cannot be tried for rebellion in Spain once extradited on the lesser charge, a German court spokeswoman said.

"The court must now decide if extradition for embezzlement is a possibility," said spokeswoman Frauke Holmer.

"If that is the case, and Mr Puidgemont can be extradited for embezzlement of public money, then a prosecution for rebellion is not possible."

Spain respects the German court's decision, a Spanish government spokeswoman said earlier.

Spain's Supreme Court reactivated international arrest warrants last month for Puigdemont and four other Catalan politicians who went into self-imposed exile last year.

Asked by Reuters whether the German court was correct to say Puigdemont could not now be put on trial for rebellion, neither the Spanish government nor the Supreme Court would comment.

The German court said the rebellion charge Puigdemont faced in Spain was not a criminal offence in Germany, while the violence component that would justify a high treason charge was also lacking.

"The actions for which the subject is being prosecuted would not be criminal under German law," the court spokeswoman said.

The charge of rebellion can bring up to 25 years in prison in Spain.

The German court set bail at 75,000 euros ($92,000). Puigdemont must remain in Germany while extradition proceedings continue and must report weekly to police, the court spokeswoman said.

"There is a risk of flight," the court said in its explanation of its decision to grant bail. "But since extradition on rebellion charges is impermissible, the risk of flight is substantially lessened."

Puigdemont is arranging the transfer of the bail money to Germany, his German lawyer Wolfgang Schomburg told Reuters in a telephone conversation.

"We hope that we can arrange it so that by tomorrow morning he is a free man and can live in Germany in the following days and weeks," he said.

"We seriously hope Spain will be intelligent enough to withdraw the entire European arrest warrant."

Puigdemont entered Germany on his way back from Finland to Belgium, where he had been living in self-imposed exile.

A German court on Thursday rejected an extradition request for Catalonia's former leader Carles Puigdemont on the charge of rebellion for his role in the campaign for the region's independence

A German court on Thursday rejected an extradition request for Catalonia's former leader Carles Puigdemont on the charge of rebellion for his role in the campaign for the region's independence. The court agreed to release Puigdemont on bail and said extradition to Spain was possible on the lesser charge of misuse of public funds. The former Catalan leader was arrested last month on a Spanish-issued arrest warrant as he entered Germany. The ruling means Puigdemont, who fled Spain five months ago for Belgium after Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy dismissed his regional administration, cannot be tried for rebellion in Spain once extradited on the lesser charge, a German court spokeswoman said. "The court must now decide if extradition for embezzlement is a possibility," said spokeswoman Frauke Holmer. "If that is the case, and Mr Puidgemont can be extradited for embezzlement of public money, then a prosecution for rebellion is not possible." Spain respects the German court's decision, a Spanish government spokeswoman said earlier. Spain's Supreme Court reactivated international arrest warrants last month for Puigdemont and four other Catalan politicians who went into self-imposed exile last year. Asked by Reuters whether the German court was correct to say Puigdemont could not now be put on trial for rebellion, neither the Spanish government nor the Supreme Court would comment. The German court said the rebellion charge Puigdemont faced in Spain was not a criminal offence in Germany, while the violence component that would justify a high treason charge was also lacking. "The actions for which the subject is being prosecuted would not be criminal under German law," the court spokeswoman said. The charge of rebellion can bring up to 25 years in prison in Spain. The German court set bail at 75,000 euros ($92,000). Puigdemont must remain in Germany while extradition proceedings continue and must report weekly to police, the court spokeswoman said. "There is a risk of flight," the court said in its explanation of its decision to grant bail. "But since extradition on rebellion charges is impermissible, the risk of flight is substantially lessened." Puigdemont is arranging the transfer of the bail money to Germany, his German lawyer Wolfgang Schomburg told Reuters in a telephone conversation. "We hope that we can arrange it so that by tomorrow morning he is a free man and can live in Germany in the following days and weeks," he said. "We seriously hope Spain will be intelligent enough to withdraw the entire European arrest warrant." Puigdemont entered Germany on his way back from Finland to Belgium, where he had been living in self-imposed exile.

German court rejects extradition of former Catalan leader on rebellion charge

A Spanish Supreme Court judge on Friday said he would try 13 Catalan leaders for rebellion, a crime punishable by up to 25 years in jail, over their role in Catalonia&#39;s banned independence drive last year.

In total, 25 separatist politicians will be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobedience, the judge said in a court ruling, upping the legal stakes in Madrid&#39;s response to separatists in the wealthy northeastern region.

The judge also requested that 14 members of the previous Catalan regional administration deposit 2.1 million euros ($2.59 million) in a bank account to pay back the money used to hold an illegal referendum on independence on October 1 and cover judicial costs.

The court did not give a date for the trial.

Catalonia has been in political limbo since Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy took over the region&#39;s government after it unilaterally declared independence in October.

Since then Catalonia&#39;s former president, Carles Puigdemont, has been in self-imposed exile in Brussels and would likely be arrested if he returned to Spain.

The Supreme Court had summoned five of the separatist leaders on Friday to rule on whether to remand them in custody as it opened the phase in the investigation that precedes a trial.

The court has not yet ruled on whether they will be jailed in advance of a trial, although one of the five, Marta Rovira, said on Friday she had fled Spain and gone into exile. 
&nbsp;

A Spanish Supreme Court judge on Friday said he would try 13 Catalan leaders for rebellion, a crime punishable by up to 25 years in jail, over their role in Catalonia's banned independence drive last year

A Spanish Supreme Court judge on Friday said he would try 13 Catalan leaders for rebellion, a crime punishable by up to 25 years in jail, over their role in Catalonia's banned independence drive last year. In total, 25 separatist politicians will be tried for rebellion, embezzlement or disobedience, the judge said in a court ruling, upping the legal stakes in Madrid's response to separatists in the wealthy northeastern region. The judge also requested that 14 members of the previous Catalan regional administration deposit 2.1 million euros ($2.59 million) in a bank account to pay back the money used to hold an illegal referendum on independence on October 1 and cover judicial costs. The court did not give a date for the trial. Catalonia has been in political limbo since Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy took over the region's government after it unilaterally declared independence in October. Since then Catalonia's former president, Carles Puigdemont, has been in self-imposed exile in Brussels and would likely be arrested if he returned to Spain. The Supreme Court had summoned five of the separatist leaders on Friday to rule on whether to remand them in custody as it opened the phase in the investigation that precedes a trial. The court has not yet ruled on whether they will be jailed in advance of a trial, although one of the five, Marta Rovira, said on Friday she had fled Spain and gone into exile.

Spain's top court to try 13 Catalan leaders for rebellion

The sacked former leader of Catalonia said on Friday he was perfectly eligible to be re-elected as regional president and there was no reason why he couldn&#39;t rule the Spanish region remotely from self-imposed exile in Brussels.

Supporters of Carles Puigdemont, who faces arrest for charges including sedition and rebellion if he returns to Spain, have suggested he could rule via video link -- earning him the sobriquet &#39;the hologram president&#39; from detractors.

&quot;I am a member of parliament who is perfectly eligible as president,&quot; Puigdemont told Catalunya Radio. &quot;These days many big projects are handled with the use of new technologies.&quot;

Referring to the charges against him, he added: &quot;You can&#39;t rule from prison.&quot;

Puigdemont&#39;s administration was dismissed by the central government in Madrid after he spearheaded a drive for the wealthy northeastern region to split from Spain that culminated in an October declaration of independence.

He regained his seat in the Catalan parliament in a December 21 election that was called by Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in the hope that pro-unity parties would win and resolve Spain&#39;s worst political crisis in decades. That ploy backfired, with parties in favour of a split gaining a slim majority.

Puigdemont moved to Brussels shortly after he was fired by Madrid but has said he would return to Catalonia if the Spanish government gave him certain &quot;guarantees&quot;, probably a promise not to arrest him.

Other Catalan independence leaders including Oriol Junqueras, leader of the second-biggest separatist party in the regional parliament, are serving custodial sentences in Madrid for their roles in planning a banned independence referendum.

Uncertainty over the future of the region, which hosts Spain&#39;s second-biggest city Barcelona and world-class factories for global brands like Volkswagen and Nestle, spooked investors and led to thousands of companies moving their registered headquarters elsewhere in Spain.

The Catalan parliamentary committee, which has a pro-independence majority, must decide by Jan. 31 if it will allow presidential candidates to present remotely. Madrid has said it will contest any such decision in the courts.

Puigdemont would not clarify in Friday&#39;s radio interview whether he would continue with plans to unilaterally construct an independent republic if elected regional president. But he said he planned to restore the previous administration.

&quot;There is no plan B: plan A is restoration because that is what the people have entrusted us with.

Supporters of Carles Puigdemont, who faces arrest for charges including sedition and rebellion if he returns to Spain, have suggested he could rule via video link -- earning him the sobriquet 'the hologram president' from detractors

The sacked former leader of Catalonia said on Friday he was perfectly eligible to be re-elected as regional president and there was no reason why he couldn't rule the Spanish region remotely from self-imposed exile in Brussels. Supporters of Carles Puigdemont, who faces arrest for charges including sedition and rebellion if he returns to Spain, have suggested he could rule via video link -- earning him the sobriquet 'the hologram president' from detractors. "I am a member of parliament who is perfectly eligible as president," Puigdemont told Catalunya Radio. "These days many big projects are handled with the use of new technologies." Referring to the charges against him, he added: "You can't rule from prison." Puigdemont's administration was dismissed by the central government in Madrid after he spearheaded a drive for the wealthy northeastern region to split from Spain that culminated in an October declaration of independence. He regained his seat in the Catalan parliament in a December 21 election that was called by Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in the hope that pro-unity parties would win and resolve Spain's worst political crisis in decades. That ploy backfired, with parties in favour of a split gaining a slim majority. Puigdemont moved to Brussels shortly after he was fired by Madrid but has said he would return to Catalonia if the Spanish government gave him certain "guarantees", probably a promise not to arrest him. Other Catalan independence leaders including Oriol Junqueras, leader of the second-biggest separatist party in the regional parliament, are serving custodial sentences in Madrid for their roles in planning a banned independence referendum. Uncertainty over the future of the region, which hosts Spain's second-biggest city Barcelona and world-class factories for global brands like Volkswagen and Nestle, spooked investors and led to thousands of companies moving their registered headquarters elsewhere in Spain. The Catalan parliamentary committee, which has a pro-independence majority, must decide by Jan. 31 if it will allow presidential candidates to present remotely. Madrid has said it will contest any such decision in the courts. Puigdemont would not clarify in Friday's radio interview whether he would continue with plans to unilaterally construct an independent republic if elected regional president. But he said he planned to restore the previous administration. "There is no plan B: plan A is restoration because that is what the people have entrusted us with.

No reason why I can't rule Catalonia remotely, former leader says

The new pro-independence speaker of Catalonia&#39;s parliament on Thursday started meeting party representatives to pick a regional president, with exiled former leader Carles Puigdemont in the lead for the post.

The central government in Madrid has already warned it will keep direct control over Catalonia if Puigdemont tries to govern from Belgium, where he and other ousted ministers fled after declaring independence from Spain in October.

On Wednesday, the region&#39;s separatist block regained control of the Catalan parliament following the assembly&#39;s dissolution on October 27 by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in response to the breakaway attempt.

Fresh from a victory in December elections that gave them an absolute majority in parliament, separatist lawmakers elected Roger Torrent of the left-wing, pro-independence ERC party as speaker.

Four out of seven of his deputies are also pro-independence.

Their next step is to regain control of the government with Puigdemont as their leader.

Torrent, 38, who gave a conciliatory first parliamentary speech on Wednesday, is holding talks with all the different assembly groups to designate the candidate with most support.

He was due to meet Thursday with the Socialists, who oppose independence, and Catalunya en Comu, the Catalan allies of far-left party Podemos, who are also against Puigdemont as candidate.

Puigdemont&#39;s Together for Catalonia list won the most votes in December within the separatist bloc, but he is in Brussels in self-imposed exile after escaping just days after the regional parliament declared independence.

He risks arrest on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for his role in the failed independence bid if he comes back to Spain.

He wants to present his candidacy and government programme to parliament -- a prerequisite to being voted in -- remotely via videolink or by having someone else read it for him.

The Catalan parliament&#39;s legal experts, however, say the contender has to be physically present and Madrid has vowed to block him.

But the final say lies in Torrent and his deputies, who will ultimately decide whether or not to allow it.

Last week, Torrent hinted that he would follow what the parliament&#39;s legal experts said.

But his ERC party has said it will support Puigdemont as president.

The central government in Madrid has already warned it will keep direct control over Catalonia

The new pro-independence speaker of Catalonia's parliament on Thursday started meeting party representatives to pick a regional president, with exiled former leader Carles Puigdemont in the lead for the post. The central government in Madrid has already warned it will keep direct control over Catalonia if Puigdemont tries to govern from Belgium, where he and other ousted ministers fled after declaring independence from Spain in October. On Wednesday, the region's separatist block regained control of the Catalan parliament following the assembly's dissolution on October 27 by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in response to the breakaway attempt. Fresh from a victory in December elections that gave them an absolute majority in parliament, separatist lawmakers elected Roger Torrent of the left-wing, pro-independence ERC party as speaker. Four out of seven of his deputies are also pro-independence. Their next step is to regain control of the government with Puigdemont as their leader. Torrent, 38, who gave a conciliatory first parliamentary speech on Wednesday, is holding talks with all the different assembly groups to designate the candidate with most support. He was due to meet Thursday with the Socialists, who oppose independence, and Catalunya en Comu, the Catalan allies of far-left party Podemos, who are also against Puigdemont as candidate. Puigdemont's Together for Catalonia list won the most votes in December within the separatist bloc, but he is in Brussels in self-imposed exile after escaping just days after the regional parliament declared independence. He risks arrest on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for his role in the failed independence bid if he comes back to Spain. He wants to present his candidacy and government programme to parliament -- a prerequisite to being voted in -- remotely via videolink or by having someone else read it for him. The Catalan parliament's legal experts, however, say the contender has to be physically present and Madrid has vowed to block him. But the final say lies in Torrent and his deputies, who will ultimately decide whether or not to allow it. Last week, Torrent hinted that he would follow what the parliament's legal experts said. But his ERC party has said it will support Puigdemont as president.

Talks underway in Catalonia to pick regional leader

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called for a Catalan parliament to be formed on Jan. 17, the first step in reinstating a local government that was taken over by Madrid after illegally declaring independence in October.

Once the parliament is formed, members must put forward a candidate to lead the regional government who must then undergo a vote of confidence.

Separatist parties secured a slim majority in a Dec. 21 election, but they may have difficulty forming a government with many of their leaders facing legal proceedings over their role in the independence movement or in self-imposed exile.

Once the parliament is formed, members must put forward a candidate to lead the regional government who must then undergo a vote of confidence.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called for a Catalan parliament to be formed on Jan. 17, the first step in reinstating a local government that was taken over by Madrid after illegally declaring independence in October. Once the parliament is formed, members must put forward a candidate to lead the regional government who must then undergo a vote of confidence. Separatist parties secured a slim majority in a Dec. 21 election, but they may have difficulty forming a government with many of their leaders facing legal proceedings over their role in the independence movement or in self-imposed exile.

Spanish PM calls for Catalan parliament to be formed on January 17

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Friday rejected a call by ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont to meet after separatists won a parliamentary majority in crucial regional polls.

&quot;The person I should be meeting with is with the one who won the elections, and that is Mrs Arrimadas,&quot; Rajoy said, replying to a journalist who asked whether he would respond to Puigdemont&#39;s invitation for a meeting.

Rajoy was referring to centrist, anti-independence candidate Ines Arrimadas, whose Ciudadanos party won the best individual result in Thursday&#39;s poll -- even as the bloc of separatist parties maintained its absolute majority.

The prime minister meanwhile warned that the new Catalan government should fully respect the law.

This statement was a reference to the former government&#39;s defiance on October 1, when it went held a referendum on independence despite a constitutional ban.

Catalan lawmakers went on to declare independence, prompting Madrid to sack Puigdemont&#39;s government and dissolve the parliament.

It was then that Rajoy&#39;s government called snap polls in Catalonia.

Rajoy also said that he was ready for &quot;open, constructive and realistic dialogue&quot; -- but &quot;always within the limits of legality&quot;.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Friday rejected a call by ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont to meet after separatists won a parliamentary majority in crucial regional polls

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy on Friday rejected a call by ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont to meet after separatists won a parliamentary majority in crucial regional polls. "The person I should be meeting with is with the one who won the elections, and that is Mrs Arrimadas," Rajoy said, replying to a journalist who asked whether he would respond to Puigdemont's invitation for a meeting. Rajoy was referring to centrist, anti-independence candidate Ines Arrimadas, whose Ciudadanos party won the best individual result in Thursday's poll -- even as the bloc of separatist parties maintained its absolute majority. The prime minister meanwhile warned that the new Catalan government should fully respect the law. This statement was a reference to the former government's defiance on October 1, when it went held a referendum on independence despite a constitutional ban. Catalan lawmakers went on to declare independence, prompting Madrid to sack Puigdemont's government and dissolve the parliament. It was then that Rajoy's government called snap polls in Catalonia. Rajoy also said that he was ready for "open, constructive and realistic dialogue" -- but "always within the limits of legality".

Spain PM rejects ousted Catalan leader's call to meet

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;visit Catalonia for the first time since Madrid imposed direct rule on the region, a day after hundreds of thousands of Catalans marched to demand the release of jailed regional officials.

Mariano Rajoy is expected in Barcelona, the Catalan capital, at&nbsp;11:00 am&nbsp;(1000 GMT) to show support for his Popular Party`s campaign ahead of a vote next month.

His visit comes two weeks after he dismissed Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, his government and the parliament, suspended the region&#39;s autonomy and called for new elections there on&nbsp;December 21.

On Saturday&nbsp;hundreds of thousands of Catalans protested the jailing of regional officials for their push for independence from Spain, which has left the country mired in a political crisis.

The demonstrators gathered on an avenue next to the regional parliament building waving Catalan independence flags and chanting &quot;Freedom!&quot; while some held up banners announcing: &quot;SOS Democracy&quot;.

Rajoy, who is due to attend a presentation by a party candidate at a station hotel, will not make a public appearance in the city.

The protest followed the release from jail of the region&#39;s parliament speaker -- one of the dozens of lawmakers sacked by Madrid last month -- after posting 150,000 euros ($175,000) bail.

Children in riding helmets climbed castells -- the region&#39;s traditional human towers -- as others held placards bearing caricatures of some jailed lawmakers.

Barcelona municipal police put turnout for the march at some 750,000 people as crowds stretched for more than 15 blocks along the boulevard.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spanish-senate-votes-to-suspend-catalonias-autonomy-23050">The Catalonia crisis</a> has caused concern in the European Union as the bloc deals with Brexit and uncertainty over the fate of the region`s 7.5 million people. More than 2,400 businesses have moved their legal headquarters elsewhere.

On Wednesday&nbsp;a general strike called by a pro-independence union caused travel chaos, blocking 60 roads and train lines including Spain`s main highway link to France and the rest of Europe.

Since lawmakers in Catalonia -- a wealthy region with its own language and distinct culture -- declared independence on October 27 following a banned referendum, pro-separatist officials have come under huge pressure from Madrid.

Barcelona&#39;s popular mayor earlier slammed the actions of Puigdemont`s government.

&quot;They&#39;ve provoked tensions and carried out a unilateral independence declaration which the majority do not want,&quot; Ada Colau told a meeting of her party members.

&quot;They&#39;ve tricked the population for their own interests.&quot;

Eight members of the axed Catalan cabinet are currently detained on charges of sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds.&nbsp;

A further six fired officials including parliament speaker Carme Forcadell were granted bail this week on similar charges by Spain&#39;s Supreme Court.

Puigdemont is in self-imposed exile in Belgium awaiting a hearing on possible extradition back to Spain after Madrid issued an EU-wide warrant.

&quot;The situation is sad, the politicians haven&#39;t done their jobs,&quot; said Robert Muni, who was protesting with his children, although some protesters shouted their support for Puigdemont, &quot;our president&quot;. Puigdemont and four ex-ministers say they are in Brussels because they cannot be guaranteed a fair trial back home.&nbsp;

&quot;Although some of us are far away from you and others are in prison, we have an opportunity to express loudly and clearly that we want freedom and democracy,&quot; Puigdemont told Catalan television.&nbsp;

Saturday&#39;s protest was organised by two pro-independence lobby groups, ANC and Omnium, whose two leaders are also detained.

&quot;We don&#39;t know what`s going to happen but we know what we want: the release of political prisoners,&quot; said demonstrator Maria Angels Quintana.

Puigdemont has said he travelled to Brussels after declaring independence in order to raise international awareness on the treatment of separatists in Spain.

But the European Union, nervous that Catalan independence could stir up separatist tensions in several member states, has repeatedly backed the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy over the crisis.

Some participants at the rally betrayed their frustration at the lack of support from Brussels for their cause, holding banners printed in English asking &quot;Europe, where are you?&quot;

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will?on Sunday?visit Catalonia for the first time since Madrid imposed direct rule on the region, a day after hundreds of thousands of Catalans marched to demand the release of jailed regional officials.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will on Sunday visit Catalonia for the first time since Madrid imposed direct rule on the region, a day after hundreds of thousands of Catalans marched to demand the release of jailed regional officials. Mariano Rajoy is expected in Barcelona, the Catalan capital, at 11:00 am (1000 GMT) to show support for his Popular Party`s campaign ahead of a vote next month. His visit comes two weeks after he dismissed Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, his government and the parliament, suspended the region's autonomy and called for new elections there on December 21. On Saturday hundreds of thousands of Catalans protested the jailing of regional officials for their push for independence from Spain, which has left the country mired in a political crisis. The demonstrators gathered on an avenue next to the regional parliament building waving Catalan independence flags and chanting "Freedom!" while some held up banners announcing: "SOS Democracy". Rajoy, who is due to attend a presentation by a party candidate at a station hotel, will not make a public appearance in the city. The protest followed the release from jail of the region's parliament speaker -- one of the dozens of lawmakers sacked by Madrid last month -- after posting 150,000 euros ($175,000) bail. Children in riding helmets climbed castells -- the region's traditional human towers -- as others held placards bearing caricatures of some jailed lawmakers. Barcelona municipal police put turnout for the march at some 750,000 people as crowds stretched for more than 15 blocks along the boulevard. The Catalonia crisis has caused concern in the European Union as the bloc deals with Brexit and uncertainty over the fate of the region`s 7.5 million people. More than 2,400 businesses have moved their legal headquarters elsewhere. On Wednesday a general strike called by a pro-independence union caused travel chaos, blocking 60 roads and train lines including Spain`s main highway link to France and the rest of Europe. Since lawmakers in Catalonia -- a wealthy region with its own language and distinct culture -- declared independence on October 27 following a banned referendum, pro-separatist officials have come under huge pressure from Madrid. Barcelona's popular mayor earlier slammed the actions of Puigdemont`s government. "They've provoked tensions and carried out a unilateral independence declaration which the majority do not want," Ada Colau told a meeting of her party members. "They've tricked the population for their own interests." Eight members of the axed Catalan cabinet are currently detained on charges of sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds. A further six fired officials including parliament speaker Carme Forcadell were granted bail this week on similar charges by Spain's Supreme Court. Puigdemont is in self-imposed exile in Belgium awaiting a hearing on possible extradition back to Spain after Madrid issued an EU-wide warrant. "The situation is sad, the politicians haven't done their jobs," said Robert Muni, who was protesting with his children, although some protesters shouted their support for Puigdemont, "our president". Puigdemont and four ex-ministers say they are in Brussels because they cannot be guaranteed a fair trial back home. "Although some of us are far away from you and others are in prison, we have an opportunity to express loudly and clearly that we want freedom and democracy," Puigdemont told Catalan television. Saturday's protest was organised by two pro-independence lobby groups, ANC and Omnium, whose two leaders are also detained. "We don't know what`s going to happen but we know what we want: the release of political prisoners," said demonstrator Maria Angels Quintana. Puigdemont has said he travelled to Brussels after declaring independence in order to raise international awareness on the treatment of separatists in Spain. But the European Union, nervous that Catalan independence could stir up separatist tensions in several member states, has repeatedly backed the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy over the crisis. Some participants at the rally betrayed their frustration at the lack of support from Brussels for their cause, holding banners printed in English asking "Europe, where are you?"

Rajoy in Barcelona for first Catalonia visit since direct rule

Pro-Catalonia independence parties will combine for the most votes in regional election in December though may fall just short of a majority needed to revive the secession campaign, a poll showed on Sunday.

According to the GAD3 survey of 1,233 people conducted between Oct. 30 and Nov. 3 and published in La Vanguardia newspaper, pro-independence parties ERC, PDECat and CUP would take between 66 and 69 seats in the 135-seat parliament.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called the Dec. 21 election after firing the previous government and imposing direct rule over the autonomous region shortly after&nbsp;Catalan&nbsp;lawmakers passed a unilateral declaration of independence on Oct. 27.

Catalonia&#39;s statehood push has tipped Spain into its worst political crisis since its return to democracy four decades ago as surging pro-secession sentiment in the region has in turn kindled nationalism across the country.

Sacked regional leader Carles Puigdemont travelled to Belgium shortly after Madrid took control and is now facing an arrest warrant for rebellion, sedition, misuse of public funds, disobedience and breach of trust relating to the secessionist campaign.

On Thursday, nine members of his sacked cabinet were ordered by Spain&#39;s High Court to be held on remand pending an investigation and potential trial.

One member of the dismissed cabinet, Santi Vila, was freed after paying bail of 50,000 euros ($58,035) on Friday.

The other eight could remain in custody for up to four years.

A second poll, in the conservative newspaper La Razon, echoed the GAD3 survey on Sunday, showing pro-independence parties would capture the most votes though still fall just shy of a parliamentary majority with 65 seats.

The NC Report survey was also taken between Oct. 30 and Nov. 3 and polled 1,000 people.

Parties will fall just short of majority needed to revive secession campaign, survey says

Pro-Catalonia independence parties will combine for the most votes in regional election in December though may fall just short of a majority needed to revive the secession campaign, a poll showed on Sunday. According to the GAD3 survey of 1,233 people conducted between Oct. 30 and Nov. 3 and published in La Vanguardia newspaper, pro-independence parties ERC, PDECat and CUP would take between 66 and 69 seats in the 135-seat parliament. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called the Dec. 21 election after firing the previous government and imposing direct rule over the autonomous region shortly after Catalan lawmakers passed a unilateral declaration of independence on Oct. 27. Catalonia's statehood push has tipped Spain into its worst political crisis since its return to democracy four decades ago as surging pro-secession sentiment in the region has in turn kindled nationalism across the country. Sacked regional leader Carles Puigdemont travelled to Belgium shortly after Madrid took control and is now facing an arrest warrant for rebellion, sedition, misuse of public funds, disobedience and breach of trust relating to the secessionist campaign. On Thursday, nine members of his sacked cabinet were ordered by Spain's High Court to be held on remand pending an investigation and potential trial. One member of the dismissed cabinet, Santi Vila, was freed after paying bail of 50,000 euros ($58,035) on Friday. The other eight could remain in custody for up to four years. A second poll, in the conservative newspaper La Razon, echoed the GAD3 survey on Sunday, showing pro-independence parties would capture the most votes though still fall just shy of a parliamentary majority with 65 seats. The NC Report survey was also taken between Oct. 30 and Nov. 3 and polled 1,000 people.

Pro-Catalonia independence parties seen winning most votes in election: Poll

The Spanish government has agreed with the opposition Socialists (PSOE) to hold regional elections in January in Catalonia as part of the extraordinary package of measures to temporarily impose direct rule on the region, Socialist politician Carmen Calvo said in an interview on national television on Friday.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will hold a special cabinet meeting on Saturday to put in motion the process to suspend Catalonia&rsquo;s autonomy after regional leader Carles Puigdemont refused to drop his secession campaign.

 
&nbsp;

The government is planning to temporarily impose direct rule on the region, Socialist politician Carmen Calvo said in an interview on national television

The Spanish government has agreed with the opposition Socialists (PSOE) to hold regional elections in January in Catalonia as part of the extraordinary package of measures to temporarily impose direct rule on the region, Socialist politician Carmen Calvo said in an interview on national television on Friday. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will hold a special cabinet meeting on Saturday to put in motion the process to suspend Catalonia’s autonomy after regional leader Carles Puigdemont refused to drop his secession campaign.

Spanish government agrees with opposition to hold Catalan elections in January

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Friday his government has reached a &quot;critical point&quot; as it seeks to use emergency measures to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spanish-government-agrees-with-opposition-to-hold-catalan-elections-in-january-22655" target="_blank">stop Catalonia&#39;s separatist bid</a>.

&quot;We have reached a critical point,&quot; Rajoy told a press conference following an EU leaders summit in Brussels that backed his conservative government.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/may-says-brexit-bill-must-wait-until-final-deal-with-eu-22662" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Brexit bill must wait until final deal with EU: May</a>

&quot;We have tried by all means to avoid a difficult situation,&quot; he added.

&quot;But you will understand it is difficult for a country, for an EU government, to see...the rule of law being liquidated&quot; in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spain-to-suspend-catalonias-autonomy-in-response-to-independence-threat-22637" target="_blank">a banned independence referendum in Catalonia</a>, he said.

Rajoy&#39;s cabinet is due to meet Saturday to decide which powers to seize from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/catalonia-refuses-to-renounce-independence-separatist-protesters-rally-22577" target="_blank">Catalonia</a>, which controls its own healthcare, education and policing.&nbsp;

Political parties pushed meanwhile for elections as a way out of the country&#39;s worst crisis in decades.

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has warned any move to seize powers could push regional lawmakers to declare unilateral independence following a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spain-catalonians-gather-for-independence-referendum-20862" target="_blank">chaotic referendum on October 1</a> on whether to split from Spain.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said his government has reached a 'critical point' as it seeks to use emergency measures to stop Catalonia's separatist bid

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Friday his government has reached a "critical point" as it seeks to use emergency measures to stop Catalonia's separatist bid. "We have reached a critical point," Rajoy told a press conference following an EU leaders summit in Brussels that backed his conservative government. Also Read: Brexit bill must wait until final deal with EU: May "We have tried by all means to avoid a difficult situation," he added. "But you will understand it is difficult for a country, for an EU government, to see...the rule of law being liquidated" in a banned independence referendum in Catalonia, he said. Rajoy's cabinet is due to meet Saturday to decide which powers to seize from Catalonia, which controls its own healthcare, education and policing. Political parties pushed meanwhile for elections as a way out of the country's worst crisis in decades. Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont has warned any move to seize powers could push regional lawmakers to declare unilateral independence following a chaotic referendum on October 1 on whether to split from Spain.

Critical point reached in Catalonia: Spanish Prime Minister

Catalonia refused on Tuesday to bow to the Spanish government&rsquo;s demand that it renounce a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/catalonia-stops-short-of-formal-independence-declaration-to-allow-talks-21251">symbolic declaration of independence</a>, setting it on a political collision course with Madrid later this week.

Madrid has threatened to put Catalonia, which accounts for a fifth of Spain&rsquo;s economy, under direct central rule if its regional government does not abandon independence by Thursday.

But Catalonia&rsquo;s government rejected Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy&rsquo;s deadline.

&quot;Giving in forms no part of this government`s scenarios,&quot; Catalan government spokesman Jordi Turull said. &quot;On Thursday, we won&rsquo;t give anything different than what we gave on Monday.&quot;

Spain&rsquo;s biggest political crisis in decades worsened on Monday night when Madrid&rsquo;s High Court jailed the heads of Catalonia&#39;s two main separatist groups pending an investigation for alleged sedition.

The Catalan government accused Madrid of taking &quot;political prisoners&quot; and tens of thousands of protesters gathered along Barcelona&rsquo;s Diagonal Avenue to call for their release.

People held up lighted candles, whistled and shouted &quot;freedom&quot; and &quot;out with the occupying forces&quot;.

&quot;There should not be political prisoners in a democratic country in the 21st century. This country is not democratic. I&rsquo;m here to support democracy,&quot; said Alicia Cabreriza, a 26-year-old computer programmer from Barcelona.

The protests ended peacefully at around 2000 GMT.

Catalan leader <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-leader-under-pressure-to-drop-independence-france-germany-weigh-in-21209">Carles Puigdemont</a>, in a tweet following the detentions, said: &quot;Sadly, we have political prisoners again.&quot;

The phrase was an allusion to the military dictatorship under Francisco Franco, when Catalan culture and language were systematically suppressed. It carries an emotional resonance given fascism is still a living memory for many Spaniards.

Justice Minister Rafael Catala hit back, saying the jailing of the leaders of the separatist groups, the Catalan National Assembly and Omnium, was a judicial, not a political, decision.

&quot;We can talk of politicians in prison but not political prisoners,&quot; he said. &quot;These are not political prisoners because yesterday&rsquo;s prison ruling was due to a (suspected) crime.&quot;

The crisis has deepened divisions at the heart of Spain&rsquo;s young democracy, underlining the complex sense of nationhood in the euro zone&rsquo;s fourth largest economy.

In Madrid, unionists drape their homes in the national flag, while Barcelona apartment buildings are festooned with Catalan flags. Street protests of hundreds of thousands of people have been held on both sides of the divide, including in Catalonia.

&quot;They&rsquo;ve crossed a line,&quot; said Eulalia L&oacute;pez, a 54-year-old office worker in Barcelona.

She said she and her colleagues would come out onto the streets if Madrid went ahead and took control of the region.

Orchestrators?

European capitals and financial markets have looked on with mounting alarm since Oct. 1, when Catalan authorities <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-president-says-independence-vote-is-valid-has-to-be-applied-20913">held a referendum</a> on independence in defiance of a Spanish court ban.

ANC leader Jordi Sanchez and Omnium chief Jordi Cuixart are accused by prosecutors of helping to orchestrate pro-independence protests that last month trapped national police inside a Barcelona building and destroyed their vehicles.

That same incident also led to Catalonia&rsquo;s police chief, Josep Lluis Trapero, being investigated for sedition. He is accused of failing to order his force to rescue them from the building. He has not been detained but the High Court banned him from leaving Spain and seized his passport.

A string of companies, including two major lenders, have decided to move their headquarters outside Catalonia since the referendum.

Spanish police launched a violent crackdown in an effort to thwart the referendum, using rubber bullets and batons on voters in scenes that shocked Spain`s European neighbours.

Catalan officials say 43 per cent of voters still managed to cast ballots with 90 percent in favour of breaking away. Many unionists, however, obeyed Madrid and did not vote.

Spain&rsquo;s constitutional court, which had suspended the referendum, said on Tuesday the law passed by the Catalan parliament to hold the vote was void because it broke dispositions of Spain&rsquo;s 1978 constitution.

One of Catalonia&rsquo;s major foreign investors, Volkswagen, said on Tuesday that its Spanish division, Seat, had decided to delay announcing the name of its forthcoming model.

Seat, based in Martorell in Catalonia, had planned to announce the name of its 2018 sport-utility vehicle this month, about a year ahead of the 7-seat model`s launch.

&quot;With the entire Spanish media focused on politics at the moment, we have decided to find a better time,&quot; a Seat spokesman said, adding the division had also delayed the announcement of an innovation and digitisation agreement. He did not elaborate.

Madrid has threatened to put Catalonia, which accounts for a fifth of Spain?s economy, under direct central rule if its regional government does not abandon independence by Thursday.

Catalonia refused on Tuesday to bow to the Spanish government’s demand that it renounce a symbolic declaration of independence, setting it on a political collision course with Madrid later this week. Madrid has threatened to put Catalonia, which accounts for a fifth of Spain’s economy, under direct central rule if its regional government does not abandon independence by Thursday. But Catalonia’s government rejected Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s deadline. "Giving in forms no part of this government`s scenarios," Catalan government spokesman Jordi Turull said. "On Thursday, we won’t give anything different than what we gave on Monday." Spain’s biggest political crisis in decades worsened on Monday night when Madrid’s High Court jailed the heads of Catalonia's two main separatist groups pending an investigation for alleged sedition. The Catalan government accused Madrid of taking "political prisoners" and tens of thousands of protesters gathered along Barcelona’s Diagonal Avenue to call for their release. People held up lighted candles, whistled and shouted "freedom" and "out with the occupying forces". "There should not be political prisoners in a democratic country in the 21st century. This country is not democratic. I’m here to support democracy," said Alicia Cabreriza, a 26-year-old computer programmer from Barcelona. The protests ended peacefully at around 2000 GMT. Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, in a tweet following the detentions, said: "Sadly, we have political prisoners again." The phrase was an allusion to the military dictatorship under Francisco Franco, when Catalan culture and language were systematically suppressed. It carries an emotional resonance given fascism is still a living memory for many Spaniards. Justice Minister Rafael Catala hit back, saying the jailing of the leaders of the separatist groups, the Catalan National Assembly and Omnium, was a judicial, not a political, decision. "We can talk of politicians in prison but not political prisoners," he said. "These are not political prisoners because yesterday’s prison ruling was due to a (suspected) crime." The crisis has deepened divisions at the heart of Spain’s young democracy, underlining the complex sense of nationhood in the euro zone’s fourth largest economy. In Madrid, unionists drape their homes in the national flag, while Barcelona apartment buildings are festooned with Catalan flags. Street protests of hundreds of thousands of people have been held on both sides of the divide, including in Catalonia. "They’ve crossed a line," said Eulalia López, a 54-year-old office worker in Barcelona. She said she and her colleagues would come out onto the streets if Madrid went ahead and took control of the region. Orchestrators? European capitals and financial markets have looked on with mounting alarm since Oct. 1, when Catalan authorities held a referendum on independence in defiance of a Spanish court ban. ANC leader Jordi Sanchez and Omnium chief Jordi Cuixart are accused by prosecutors of helping to orchestrate pro-independence protests that last month trapped national police inside a Barcelona building and destroyed their vehicles. That same incident also led to Catalonia’s police chief, Josep Lluis Trapero, being investigated for sedition. He is accused of failing to order his force to rescue them from the building. He has not been detained but the High Court banned him from leaving Spain and seized his passport. A string of companies, including two major lenders, have decided to move their headquarters outside Catalonia since the referendum. Spanish police launched a violent crackdown in an effort to thwart the referendum, using rubber bullets and batons on voters in scenes that shocked Spain`s European neighbours. Catalan officials say 43 per cent of voters still managed to cast ballots with 90 percent in favour of breaking away. Many unionists, however, obeyed Madrid and did not vote. Spain’s constitutional court, which had suspended the referendum, said on Tuesday the law passed by the Catalan parliament to hold the vote was void because it broke dispositions of Spain’s 1978 constitution. One of Catalonia’s major foreign investors, Volkswagen, said on Tuesday that its Spanish division, Seat, had decided to delay announcing the name of its forthcoming model. Seat, based in Martorell in Catalonia, had planned to announce the name of its 2018 sport-utility vehicle this month, about a year ahead of the 7-seat model`s launch. "With the entire Spanish media focused on politics at the moment, we have decided to find a better time," a Seat spokesman said, adding the division had also delayed the announcement of an innovation and digitisation agreement. He did not elaborate.

Catalonia refuses to renounce independence, separatist protesters rally

Spain&rsquo;s parliament &nbsp;on Saturday voted conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy back to power ending a 10-month long political crisis despite opposition and divisions.

 
A total of 170 lawmakers voted for Rajoy, 111 voted against and 66 abstained.

 
Rajoy pledged to carry on with the economic policies which are &nbsp;deeply unpopular with the opposition blames austerity measures taken in his first term for rising inequality.

 
&quot;Do not expect me to... damage economic recovery and job creation,&quot; the 61-year-old told lawmakers during a &nbsp;pre-vote session, referring to Spain&#39;s return to growth in his tenure following an economic downturn, AFP reported.

 
&quot;There is no sense in getting rid of all reforms.&quot;

 
The socialists&rsquo; decision to abstain from voting drew flak from its rivals including the far-left 
Podemos, and divided the party so seriously that Socialist chief Pedro Sanchez was ousted earlier this month.

 
Hours before the vote, Sanchez gave a tearful statement to the media, announcing he was quitting as a lawmaker so he would not have to abstain and allow Rajoy to govern.

 
Hundreds of protesters gathered near parliament amid a heavy police deployment, unhappy about corruption and sweeping spending cuts during Rajoy&#39;s first term, shouting: &quot;They don&#39;t represent us.&quot;

 
&quot;It&#39;s going to be the same government, or similar, (as in) the past four years, which was disastrous for Spain,&quot; said Carmen Lopez, a 65-year-old retired computer technician told AFP.

 
Rajoy&#39;s party will only have 137 out of 350 seats in the parliament and will face huge opposition, forcing him to negotiate every bill.

 
He originally came to power in 2011 with an absolute majority.

 
&quot;You are in the clear minority and under tight surveillance of this lower house. The Socialist party will devote itself to monitoring your every step,&quot; Antonio Hernando, the Socialists&#39; parliamentary spokesman, told Rajoy, AFP reported.

 
Among Rajoy&#39;s priorities will be the 2017 budget, which may need at least $5.5 billion &nbsp;in spending cuts to reduce the deficit in the face of EU pressure.

 
However, &nbsp;further cuts are likely to face stiff opposition both in parliament and on the street.

 
He will also face rising separatist sentiment in the northeastern Catalonia region.

 
&quot;If we all make an effort, we can reach agreements and we have to try and turn this difficult and complex situation into an opportunity,&quot; he told reporters.

 
Political analyst Pablo Simon told AFP that term in office would be the most &quot;turbulent&quot; ever in Spain and could prompt Rajoy to call early elections if he faces gridlock in parliament.

&nbsp;

 
(WION with inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

Rajoy pledged to plough on with economic policies deeply unpopular with the opposition

Spain’s parliament on Saturday voted conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy back to power ending a 10-month long political crisis despite opposition and divisions. A total of 170 lawmakers voted for Rajoy, 111 voted against and 66 abstained. Rajoy pledged to carry on with the economic policies which are deeply unpopular with the opposition blames austerity measures taken in his first term for rising inequality. "Do not expect me to... damage economic recovery and job creation," the 61-year-old told lawmakers during a pre-vote session, referring to Spain's return to growth in his tenure following an economic downturn, AFP reported. "There is no sense in getting rid of all reforms." The socialists’ decision to abstain from voting drew flak from its rivals including the far-left Podemos, and divided the party so seriously that Socialist chief Pedro Sanchez was ousted earlier this month. Hours before the vote, Sanchez gave a tearful statement to the media, announcing he was quitting as a lawmaker so he would not have to abstain and allow Rajoy to govern. Hundreds of protesters gathered near parliament amid a heavy police deployment, unhappy about corruption and sweeping spending cuts during Rajoy's first term, shouting: "They don't represent us." "It's going to be the same government, or similar, (as in) the past four years, which was disastrous for Spain," said Carmen Lopez, a 65-year-old retired computer technician told AFP. Rajoy's party will only have 137 out of 350 seats in the parliament and will face huge opposition, forcing him to negotiate every bill. He originally came to power in 2011 with an absolute majority. "You are in the clear minority and under tight surveillance of this lower house. The Socialist party will devote itself to monitoring your every step," Antonio Hernando, the Socialists' parliamentary spokesman, told Rajoy, AFP reported. Among Rajoy's priorities will be the 2017 budget, which may need at least $5.5 billion in spending cuts to reduce the deficit in the face of EU pressure. However, further cuts are likely to face stiff opposition both in parliament and on the street. He will also face rising separatist sentiment in the northeastern Catalonia region. "If we all make an effort, we can reach agreements and we have to try and turn this difficult and complex situation into an opportunity," he told reporters. Political analyst Pablo Simon told AFP that term in office would be the most "turbulent" ever in Spain and could prompt Rajoy to call early elections if he faces gridlock in parliament. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Spain: Conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy voted back to power, ending crisis

Spanish elections delivered a hung parliament for the second time in six months on Sunday, adding to political uncertainty in Europe after last week&#39;s shock Brexit vote and piling intense pressure on Spain&#39;s warring politicians to form a government. 
 
Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy&#39;s centre-right People&#39;s Party (PP) again emerged with the single biggest bloc of seats but fell short of a majority, leaving the euro zone&#39;s fourth-largest economy at risk of another lengthy political stalemate or even of a third general election. 
 
The PP was the only major party to increase its share of seats from December&#39;s inconclusive poll, sapping the power of a wave of new parties which had fed on years of deep recession and public anger over corruption scandals within the major parties. 
 
&quot;We have won the elections,&quot; Rajoy told hundreds of cheering supporters outside PP headquarters in Madrid late on Sunday. 
 
&quot;We claim our right to govern.&quot; 
 
The PP won 137 seats, up from 123 in December but short of the 176 needed for an outright majority. 
 
Spain now enters another round of backroom talks to see which parties can form a governing coalition, a task that eluded them despite months of negotiations following the December vote. 
 
It was unclear whether Britain&#39;s vote to leave the EU, which hit financial markets in indebted Spain particularly hard, led more people to vote for the conservative PP. However, the uncertainty and confusion sweeping Europe in the wake of Brexit will pressure politicians to reach a deal quickly. 
 
Among the hundreds of people cheering Rajoy and other party leaders on Sunday, waving blue party flags and red and yellow Spanish flags, there were some more cautious PP supporters. 
 
&quot;Whether we have a government or not will depend on what the left wants. Without a majority it&#39;s hard to do anything,&quot; said Raul Quintana, a 42-year-old concierge from Toledo. 
 
Options to form a government include a centre-right pact between the PP and liberal newcomer Ciudadanos, a German-style grand coalition between the PP and the Socialists, or even a minority PP administration. 
 
 
Complex negotiations 
Upstart liberal party Ciudadanos, which saw its support fall on Sunday, said it was ready to immediately open talks with the PP to explore the formation of a government. 
 
The two combined would fall just seven seats short of a majority, putting pressure on the Socialists to drop their opposition to a PP-led government. 
 
Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez said he would put his party &quot;at the service of the general interest&quot; but an agreement with the PP might not be easily reached. 
 
&quot;We are heading for more rounds of complex negotiations, whose least bad outcome could be a weak government,&quot; said Vincenzo Scarpetta, political analyst at Open Europe in London. 
 
&quot;The pressure on the Socialists to let Rajoy at least form a minority government and get on with business will be enormous.&quot; 
 
The main surprise was the disappointing result for anti-austerity Unidos Podemos (&quot;Together We Can&quot;), a grouping of several leftist parties led by anti-austerity movement Podemos. 
 
Podemos had been forecast to increase its vote and play a central role in forming government but it ended up with 71 seats, unchanged from December. 
 
&quot;Tonight&#39;s results have not been satisfactory for us, we expected more,&quot; Pablo Iglesias, the pony-tailed academic who leads Podemos, told a sombre crowd of supporters. 
 
Polls ahead of the vote had forecast his party would surge in support and overtake the 137-year-old Socialist party as the main left-wing force. The Socialists won 85 seats, down from the 90 they had in the December election. 
 
Spain&#39;s biggest-selling newspaper, El Pais, on Sunday also urged politicians to put aside their differences and form a government quickly given increased global uncertainty in the wake of Britain&#39;s referendum vote. 
 
&quot;Now is not the time for messing about or egotism,&quot; the paper wrote in an editorial. &quot;The only priority should be the urgent need to form a government with the ability to govern.&quot; 
 
(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Acting PM Rajoy's centre-right People's Party again emerges with the single biggest bloc of seats but falls short of a majority

Spanish elections delivered a hung parliament for the second time in six months on Sunday, adding to political uncertainty in Europe after last week's shock Brexit vote and piling intense pressure on Spain's warring politicians to form a government. Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's centre-right People's Party (PP) again emerged with the single biggest bloc of seats but fell short of a majority, leaving the euro zone's fourth-largest economy at risk of another lengthy political stalemate or even of a third general election. The PP was the only major party to increase its share of seats from December's inconclusive poll, sapping the power of a wave of new parties which had fed on years of deep recession and public anger over corruption scandals within the major parties. "We have won the elections," Rajoy told hundreds of cheering supporters outside PP headquarters in Madrid late on Sunday. "We claim our right to govern." The PP won 137 seats, up from 123 in December but short of the 176 needed for an outright majority. Spain now enters another round of backroom talks to see which parties can form a governing coalition, a task that eluded them despite months of negotiations following the December vote. It was unclear whether Britain's vote to leave the EU, which hit financial markets in indebted Spain particularly hard, led more people to vote for the conservative PP. However, the uncertainty and confusion sweeping Europe in the wake of Brexit will pressure politicians to reach a deal quickly. Among the hundreds of people cheering Rajoy and other party leaders on Sunday, waving blue party flags and red and yellow Spanish flags, there were some more cautious PP supporters. "Whether we have a government or not will depend on what the left wants. Without a majority it's hard to do anything," said Raul Quintana, a 42-year-old concierge from Toledo. Options to form a government include a centre-right pact between the PP and liberal newcomer Ciudadanos, a German-style grand coalition between the PP and the Socialists, or even a minority PP administration. Complex negotiations Upstart liberal party Ciudadanos, which saw its support fall on Sunday, said it was ready to immediately open talks with the PP to explore the formation of a government. The two combined would fall just seven seats short of a majority, putting pressure on the Socialists to drop their opposition to a PP-led government. Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez said he would put his party "at the service of the general interest" but an agreement with the PP might not be easily reached. "We are heading for more rounds of complex negotiations, whose least bad outcome could be a weak government," said Vincenzo Scarpetta, political analyst at Open Europe in London. "The pressure on the Socialists to let Rajoy at least form a minority government and get on with business will be enormous." The main surprise was the disappointing result for anti-austerity Unidos Podemos ("Together We Can"), a grouping of several leftist parties led by anti-austerity movement Podemos. Podemos had been forecast to increase its vote and play a central role in forming government but it ended up with 71 seats, unchanged from December. "Tonight's results have not been satisfactory for us, we expected more," Pablo Iglesias, the pony-tailed academic who leads Podemos, told a sombre crowd of supporters. Polls ahead of the vote had forecast his party would surge in support and overtake the 137-year-old Socialist party as the main left-wing force. The Socialists won 85 seats, down from the 90 they had in the December election. Spain's biggest-selling newspaper, El Pais, on Sunday also urged politicians to put aside their differences and form a government quickly given increased global uncertainty in the wake of Britain's referendum vote. "Now is not the time for messing about or egotism," the paper wrote in an editorial. "The only priority should be the urgent need to form a government with the ability to govern." (Reuters)

Conservatives win Spanish election, but deadlock remains

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