France’s socialists have successfully retained control of major urban strongholds, including Paris. Official Grégoire stated that the French capital will never become a far-right city, reflecting voter support for progressive policies. Analysts say the results highlight urban centers’ resistance to far-right influence amid national political shifts.

France Municipal Elections: Socialists Keep Control Of Major Cities Including Paris

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a clear victory in Sunday's Catalan regional election, in which Carles Puigdemont and fellow separatists lost their majority after 10 years in power.&nbsp;

The vote came six years after Puigdemont led a botched 2017 independence bid that triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades.&nbsp;

Led by Salvador Illa, Spain's health minister during the pandemic, the Catalan Socialist party won 42 of the regional parliament's 135 seats -- nine more than in the previous election in 2021.&nbsp;

Hailing the result as "historic" in a posting on X, Sanchez said it would mark the start of "a new era in Catalonia".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-madrids-tryst-with-womens-rights-pretoria-avoids-risking-war-with-moscow-618679">The Capitals: Madrid's tryst with women's rights, Pretoria avoids 'risking war' with Moscow</a>

"A new era for all Catalans, whatever they think," said Illa as his supporters cheered his victory.&nbsp;

It was a major victory for Sanchez, who had wanted to show that his policy of defusing tensions triggered by the Catalan crisis had worked, ultimately reducing pro-independence sentiment in this wealthy northeastern region of eight million people.&nbsp;

And it gives him some much-needed breathing space after a difficult start to his latest term in office which began in November and has been soured by right-wing opposition and a graft probe into his wife that almost caused him to resign.

Also watch |&nbsp;Catalonia elections: Catalonia polls to impact on Spain's politics

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Since becoming premier in 2018 in the months following the failed separatist bid, Sanchez has sought to "heal the wounds" caused by the unprecedented political crisis&nbsp;

In 2021, he pardoned the separatists jailed over the secession bid and is currently advancing an amnesty bill for those still wanted by the justice system in exchange for key separatist backing that let him secure a new term in office.

<h2>No more separatist majority</h2>

In gaining more than 200,000 votes, the Socialists managed to deprive the pro-independence parties of the majority they needed to stay in power in a region they have ruled for the past decade.&nbsp;

Final results showed Puigdemont's hardline JxCat, the moderate ERC of outgoing Catalan leader Pere Aragones and the smaller hard-left CUP secured 59 seats, compared with 74 last time.&nbsp;

Even if they were to count the two seats won by the new ultranationalist Catalan Alliance, they would still be well short of the 68 seats required to rule.&nbsp;

JxCat won 35 seats, slightly higher than last time, while ERC fell sharply to 20, down 13, and CUP won just four, down from nine.&nbsp;

Puigdemont, 61, fled Spain to avoid prosecution following the botched secession bid and has lived in self-imposed exile ever since, running his campaign from southern France.&nbsp;

Although he will be allowed back when the amnesty bill becomes law, he had hoped a strong showing in Sunday's vote would have seen him re-elected leader, paving the way for a triumphant return.&nbsp;

He pledged to retire from politics if he failed to win.&nbsp;

<h2>Alliance building</h2>

Despite his victory, Illa is still a long way from the 68 seats required to rule and must now seek out the necessary backing to be sworn in as regional leader.&nbsp;

Although the Socialists also won most votes in 2021, Illa was unable to cobble together a majority while the separatists managed to piece together a 74-seat coalition.

Analysts say the most likely option would see the Socialists allying with the radical left Comuns Sumar, which won six seats, and ERC, which won 20.

Together they could count exactly 68 seats.&nbsp;

The vote also saw a breakthrough by the right-wing opposition Popular Party which won 15 seats up from three in the previous election, while the far-right Vox held onto its 11 mandates.&nbsp;

Both parties are vehemently opposed to the pro-independence movement and have fought tooth and nail against Sanchez's amnesty bill which will become law within weeks, allowing Puigdemont to return home.&nbsp;

Voter Ainhoa Matos, 31, expressed hope the election would give a greater voice to non-separatist Catalans.&nbsp;

"People like me who are not pro-independence have not had enough of a voice or representation, so I hope that can change," she told AFP.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a clear victory in Sunday's Catalan regional election, in which Carles Puigdemont and fellow separatists lost their majority after 10 years in power.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a clear victory in Sunday's Catalan regional election, in which Carles Puigdemont and fellow separatists lost their majority after 10 years in power. The vote came six years after Puigdemont led a botched 2017 independence bid that triggered Spain's worst political crisis in decades. Led by Salvador Illa, Spain's health minister during the pandemic, the Catalan Socialist party won 42 of the regional parliament's 135 seats -- nine more than in the previous election in 2021. Hailing the result as "historic" in a posting on X, Sanchez said it would mark the start of "a new era in Catalonia". Also read | The Capitals: Madrid's tryst with women's rights, Pretoria avoids 'risking war' with Moscow "A new era for all Catalans, whatever they think," said Illa as his supporters cheered his victory. It was a major victory for Sanchez, who had wanted to show that his policy of defusing tensions triggered by the Catalan crisis had worked, ultimately reducing pro-independence sentiment in this wealthy northeastern region of eight million people. And it gives him some much-needed breathing space after a difficult start to his latest term in office which began in November and has been soured by right-wing opposition and a graft probe into his wife that almost caused him to resign. Also watch | Catalonia elections: Catalonia polls to impact on Spain's politics × Since becoming premier in 2018 in the months following the failed separatist bid, Sanchez has sought to "heal the wounds" caused by the unprecedented political crisis In 2021, he pardoned the separatists jailed over the secession bid and is currently advancing an amnesty bill for those still wanted by the justice system in exchange for key separatist backing that let him secure a new term in office. No more separatist majority In gaining more than 200,000 votes, the Socialists managed to deprive the pro-independence parties of the majority they needed to stay in power in a region they have ruled for the past decade. Final results showed Puigdemont's hardline JxCat, the moderate ERC of outgoing Catalan leader Pere Aragones and the smaller hard-left CUP secured 59 seats, compared with 74 last time. Even if they were to count the two seats won by the new ultranationalist Catalan Alliance, they would still be well short of the 68 seats required to rule. JxCat won 35 seats, slightly higher than last time, while ERC fell sharply to 20, down 13, and CUP won just four, down from nine. Puigdemont, 61, fled Spain to avoid prosecution following the botched secession bid and has lived in self-imposed exile ever since, running his campaign from southern France. Although he will be allowed back when the amnesty bill becomes law, he had hoped a strong showing in Sunday's vote would have seen him re-elected leader, paving the way for a triumphant return. He pledged to retire from politics if he failed to win. Alliance building Despite his victory, Illa is still a long way from the 68 seats required to rule and must now seek out the necessary backing to be sworn in as regional leader. Although the Socialists also won most votes in 2021, Illa was unable to cobble together a majority while the separatists managed to piece together a 74-seat coalition. Analysts say the most likely option would see the Socialists allying with the radical left Comuns Sumar, which won six seats, and ERC, which won 20. Together they could count exactly 68 seats. The vote also saw a breakthrough by the right-wing opposition Popular Party which won 15 seats up from three in the previous election, while the far-right Vox held onto its 11 mandates. Both parties are vehemently opposed to the pro-independence movement and have fought tooth and nail against Sanchez's amnesty bill which will become law within weeks, allowing Puigdemont to return home. Voter Ainhoa Matos, 31, expressed hope the election would give a greater voice to non-separatist Catalans. "People like me who are not pro-independence have not had enough of a voice or representation, so I hope that can change," she told AFP.

Separatists lose Catalan majority as Spain Socialists surge

Portugal's centre-left Socialists won an outright parliamentary majority in Sunday's snap general election, securing a strong new mandate for Prime Minister Antonio Costa, a champion of balanced public accounts.

Portugal's centre-left Socialists win surprise victory in general election

The political philosophy of socialism — a somewhat widespread phrase in politics around the world – has been classified as a "terrorist ideology" similar to neo-Nazism in a US military training book.&nbsp;

The document, obtained by The Intercept, is titled "Introduction to Terrorism/Terrorist Operations" and was purportedly used to train members of the US Navy's internal police, known as masters-at-arms.&nbsp;

“Anarchists, socialists, and neo-nazis represent which terrorist ideology category?” asks a quiz question in the “Introduction to Terrorism/Terrorist Operations” section. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/socialism-weds-mamata-banerjee-with-communism-leninism-and-marxism-as-special-guests-390813">Also read | Socialism weds Mamata Banerjee, with Communism, Leninism, and Marxism as special guests</a> 
 
The answer is "political terrorists."

The brochure was reportedly provided by the Naval Education Training and Command's Navy Tactical Training Center to the Navy's police force, known as masters-at-arms.&nbsp; 
 
Watch: Gravitas: Socialist leaders and a life of luxury

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The news comes at a time when democratic socialism, the driving ideology of numerous European ruling parties, is gaining popularity in American politics.&nbsp;

Though socialism has long been hated in the United States, particularly during the 1930s and the Cold War, it has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among young people.

Last year, a poll indicated that Democrats were marginally more favourable to socialism than to capitalism.

The political philosophy of socialism — a somewhat widespread phrase in politics around the world – has been classified as a "terrorist ideology" similar to neo-Nazism in a US military training book.

The political philosophy of socialism — a somewhat widespread phrase in politics around the world – has been classified as a "terrorist ideology" similar to neo-Nazism in a US military training book. The document, obtained by The Intercept, is titled "Introduction to Terrorism/Terrorist Operations" and was purportedly used to train members of the US Navy's internal police, known as masters-at-arms. “Anarchists, socialists, and neo-nazis represent which terrorist ideology category?” asks a quiz question in the “Introduction to Terrorism/Terrorist Operations” section. Also read | Socialism weds Mamata Banerjee, with Communism, Leninism, and Marxism as special guests The answer is "political terrorists." The brochure was reportedly provided by the Naval Education Training and Command's Navy Tactical Training Center to the Navy's police force, known as masters-at-arms. Watch: Gravitas: Socialist leaders and a life of luxury The news comes at a time when democratic socialism, the driving ideology of numerous European ruling parties, is gaining popularity in American politics. Though socialism has long been hated in the United States, particularly during the 1930s and the Cold War, it has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among young people. Last year, a poll indicated that Democrats were marginally more favourable to socialism than to capitalism.

Socialists are 'terrorists', describes US military training manual 

Venezuela's socialist government installed a new head of Congress on Sunday after armed troops blocked opposition legislators from entering parliament, in a move condemned by dozens of nations as an assault on democracy.

Troops with riot shields blocked opposition leader Juan Guaido from entering parliament for what was expected to be his re-election as head of Congress, at one point pulling him off the compound's iron railings after he tried to push past security forces.

The blockade allowed the ruling Socialist Party to hand the post to legislator Luis Parra, who was recently expelled by an opposition party over corruption allegations.

The gambit by the government of President Nicolas Maduro was slammed by the United States, the European Union and a dozen Latin American nations.

Opposition legislators quickly re-elected Guaido - who is recognised by dozens of nations as Venezuela's rightful leader - in a session at the headquarters of a pro-opposition newspaper.

But the move may further weaken the opposition's already flagging campaign to oust Maduro, and creates two competing leaders of parliament in a nation caught in a political standoff and suffering a hyperinflationary economic collapse.

"Today the dictatorship has committed another blunder," Guaido said after taking the oath of office at the offices of El Nacional newspaper. "Today we once again soundly defeated the plans of the dictatorship." 
The opposition's tally showed 100 of parliament's 167 legislators voted in his favour.

Guaido last year led a groundswell movement to push Maduro from power, denouncing his 2018 re-election as a fraud and assuming a parallel presidency that quickly won the recognition of most Western and Latin American nations.

But Maduro has clung to power, thanks to continued support from the military and the backing of China, Cuba and Russia. He has denounced Guaido as a U.S. puppet.

Parliament melee

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday night congratulated Guaido for winning a second term.

"Venezuela's political parties came together in a resounding display of unity to support Juan Guaido's re-election," Pompeo said in a statement. "No regime thugs, no jail cells, and no bribery or intimidation can subvert the will of the Venezuelan people."

Opposition legislators on Sunday spent much of the morning attempting to get past checkpoints in downtown Caracas at which police and troops stalled their advance and blocked a group of them from entering the historic Congress building.

Socialist Party legislators, in the absence of Guaido and other legislators, took control of the session and nominated Parra as the new Congress chief.

Following a melee on the floor of parliament, an impromptu vote was held through a show of hands but without counting each individual vote, as required by its regulations, according to a Reuters witness.

Venezuela's state television broadcast an improvised swearing-in ceremony for Parra, who was expelled last year from opposition party First Justice for allegedly helping burnish the reputation of a businessman associated with Maduro's government.

Parra denies the charges. Since his expulsion, he has been harshly critical of Guaido and has described himself and other legislators as being in "rebellion."

"We announced this morning before entering the legislative palace that the rebellion by the deputies ... would be clearly expressed," Parra said on Sunday in comments on state television.

Maduro, who donned a baseball uniform to inaugurate a new stadium on Sunday evening, said Congress had chosen new leadership out of frustration with Guaido.

"Mike Pompeo and Elliott Abrams should explain to Donald Trump why they lost the leadership of the National Assembly, one more failure by the gringos in Venezuela," Maduro said, referring to the Secretary of State and the US special representative for Venezuela.

The events were also condemned by the Lima Group, an organisation of Latin American nations that seeks political change in Venezuela.&nbsp;

Argentina, which recently elected a leftist government, also condemned the day's events.

Venezuela's socialist government installed a new head of Congress on Sunday after armed troops blocked opposition legislators from entering parliament, in a move condemned by dozens of nations as an assault on democracy.

Venezuela's socialist government installed a new head of Congress on Sunday after armed troops blocked opposition legislators from entering parliament, in a move condemned by dozens of nations as an assault on democracy. Troops with riot shields blocked opposition leader Juan Guaido from entering parliament for what was expected to be his re-election as head of Congress, at one point pulling him off the compound's iron railings after he tried to push past security forces. The blockade allowed the ruling Socialist Party to hand the post to legislator Luis Parra, who was recently expelled by an opposition party over corruption allegations. The gambit by the government of President Nicolas Maduro was slammed by the United States, the European Union and a dozen Latin American nations. Opposition legislators quickly re-elected Guaido - who is recognised by dozens of nations as Venezuela's rightful leader - in a session at the headquarters of a pro-opposition newspaper. But the move may further weaken the opposition's already flagging campaign to oust Maduro, and creates two competing leaders of parliament in a nation caught in a political standoff and suffering a hyperinflationary economic collapse. "Today the dictatorship has committed another blunder," Guaido said after taking the oath of office at the offices of El Nacional newspaper. "Today we once again soundly defeated the plans of the dictatorship." The opposition's tally showed 100 of parliament's 167 legislators voted in his favour. Guaido last year led a groundswell movement to push Maduro from power, denouncing his 2018 re-election as a fraud and assuming a parallel presidency that quickly won the recognition of most Western and Latin American nations. But Maduro has clung to power, thanks to continued support from the military and the backing of China, Cuba and Russia. He has denounced Guaido as a U.S. puppet. Parliament melee US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday night congratulated Guaido for winning a second term. "Venezuela's political parties came together in a resounding display of unity to support Juan Guaido's re-election," Pompeo said in a statement. "No regime thugs, no jail cells, and no bribery or intimidation can subvert the will of the Venezuelan people." Opposition legislators on Sunday spent much of the morning attempting to get past checkpoints in downtown Caracas at which police and troops stalled their advance and blocked a group of them from entering the historic Congress building. Socialist Party legislators, in the absence of Guaido and other legislators, took control of the session and nominated Parra as the new Congress chief. Following a melee on the floor of parliament, an impromptu vote was held through a show of hands but without counting each individual vote, as required by its regulations, according to a Reuters witness. Venezuela's state television broadcast an improvised swearing-in ceremony for Parra, who was expelled last year from opposition party First Justice for allegedly helping burnish the reputation of a businessman associated with Maduro's government. Parra denies the charges. Since his expulsion, he has been harshly critical of Guaido and has described himself and other legislators as being in "rebellion." "We announced this morning before entering the legislative palace that the rebellion by the deputies ... would be clearly expressed," Parra said on Sunday in comments on state television. Maduro, who donned a baseball uniform to inaugurate a new stadium on Sunday evening, said Congress had chosen new leadership out of frustration with Guaido. "Mike Pompeo and Elliott Abrams should explain to Donald Trump why they lost the leadership of the National Assembly, one more failure by the gringos in Venezuela," Maduro said, referring to the Secretary of State and the US special representative for Venezuela. The events were also condemned by the Lima Group, an organisation of Latin American nations that seeks political change in Venezuela. Argentina, which recently elected a leftist government, also condemned the day's events.

Venezuela's ruling Socialists seize congress, defiant opposition re-elects Guaido

Spain's Socialists and the radical leftwing Podemos have agreed in principle <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-socialists-again-seek-to-rule-without-majority-as-ciudadanos-collapses-261511">to form a coalition government</a>, the leaders of the two parties said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

A government formed by the two parties,&nbsp;who failed to reach a deal several months ago, triggering Sunday's repeat election,&nbsp;would need the support of other factions to pass an investiture vote. That would require a majority of at least 176 in the 350-seat parliament.

Should the agreement come to fruition, it would be Spain's first coalition government in its modern history.&nbsp;

Announcing the tentative deal at a joint press conference, outgoing Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the aim was to break months of political deadlock and establish "a stable government".

"Our desire is to achieve majority support in the chamber," he said.

They would approach other factions "to achieve a stable and sustained majority that would make possible not only an investiture vote but a legislature", he added.

Standing next to him, pony-tailed Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias said the two parties were looking to form "a progressive coalition government".&nbsp;

"As election night showed... what was a historic opportunity in April has become a historic necessity," Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias told journalists.&nbsp;

In the coming weeks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-fourth-election-in-four-years-fails-to-break-deadlock-261407">the two parties would thrash out all the details</a> of both the structure and the programme of the government, he added.

Although Sanchez's Socialists won Sunday's vote, the fourth in as many years, he emerged from the elections weakened. The repeat vote boosted support for the rightwing People's Party and propelled the far-right Vox into third place.

Both the Socialists and Podemos lost seats compared to April's election.

Sanchez's party took 120, down from 123, while Podemos secured 35, down from 42, leaving the two factions 21 seats short for an investiture vote.&nbsp;

Spain's Socialists and the radical leftwing Podemos have agreed in principle to form a coalition government, the leaders of the two parties said on Tuesday. A government formed by the two parties, who failed to reach a deal several months ago, triggering Sunday's repeat election, would need the support of other factions to pass an investiture vote.

Spain's Socialists and the radical leftwing Podemos have agreed in principle to form a coalition government, the leaders of the two parties said on Tuesday. A government formed by the two parties, who failed to reach a deal several months ago, triggering Sunday's repeat election, would need the support of other factions to pass an investiture vote. That would require a majority of at least 176 in the 350-seat parliament. Should the agreement come to fruition, it would be Spain's first coalition government in its modern history. Announcing the tentative deal at a joint press conference, outgoing Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the aim was to break months of political deadlock and establish "a stable government". "Our desire is to achieve majority support in the chamber," he said. They would approach other factions "to achieve a stable and sustained majority that would make possible not only an investiture vote but a legislature", he added. Standing next to him, pony-tailed Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias said the two parties were looking to form "a progressive coalition government". "As election night showed... what was a historic opportunity in April has become a historic necessity," Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias told journalists. In the coming weeks, the two parties would thrash out all the details of both the structure and the programme of the government, he added. Although Sanchez's Socialists won Sunday's vote, the fourth in as many years, he emerged from the elections weakened. The repeat vote boosted support for the rightwing People's Party and propelled the far-right Vox into third place. Both the Socialists and Podemos lost seats compared to April's election. Sanchez's party took 120, down from 123, while Podemos secured 35, down from 42, leaving the two factions 21 seats short for an investiture vote.

Spain Socialists, far-left Podemos agree in principle to form government after deadlock

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez looks set to regain power after his Socialists overcame a historic challenge by right-wing nationalists in elections on Sunday, a result he portrayed as a morale booster for the European Union.

The Socialists gained seats in one of Spain's most hotly contested elections in decades, which featured the rise of far-right party Vox whose ultra-nationalist campaign echoed political trends across Europe where traditional parties have ceded to anti-immigration and eurosceptic forces.

However, the rise of Vox also splintered the right-wing vote, further fragmenting Spain's political landscape and playing into the hands of the Socialists which won an almost 50 per cent increase in seats.

"The Socialists have won the general election," Sanchez declared, smiling broadly as he addressed jubilant supporters at party headquarters in Madrid. Outside, hundreds celebrated in the street, waving red party flags and chanting 'Long live Spain' and 'Long live Socialism'.

"Social democracy has a great future because it has a great present and Spain is an example of that. We will form a pro-European government to strengthen and not weaken Europe," he added.

The result is likely to come as a relief for supporters of further European Union integration ahead of May 26 elections for European Parliament amid fears that Vox could have gained a share of power in Spain.

Vox secured one in 10 votes and 24 seats, the first far-right party to get a sizeable presence in parliament since the country's return to democracy in the late 1970s, but it did not get the kingmaker role it was looking for.

Far left-wing party Podemos immediately offered to open coalition talks with Sanchez, though the two parties together cannot command a majority.

"I have expressed to him ... our willingness to work towards a coalition government," Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias told supporters in Madrid. Forming such a coalition "will take much time and I would ask for your patience", he added.

The Socialists and Podemos are set to fall around 11 seats short of a parliamentary majority, but bridging the gap would require Sanchez to also rely on Basque nationalists and other small parties.

It was unclear in the early hours of Monday if he would also require the support of separatist lawmakers from Catalonia, the country's richest region where a push for independence flared into violence two years ago.

"Pedro Sanchez is in a good position," said Pablo Simon, a political science professor at Madrid's Carlos III University.

A government deal would be complicated and certainly not be clinched before next month's European Parliament elections, he added.

The keys to power

Sanchez appears to have two options to put together a coalition.

If he wants to rule with Podemos, near-final voting data showed he would need the support of smaller parties to at least abstain.

According to Sunday night's count, he would require one Catalan separatist lawmaker to abstain but some seats were too close to call. The picture may still change when the count is finalised in the first two weeks of May.

If Sanchez does not need to rely on Catalan separatists, who brought down his minority government, he may have the more political freedom to deal with the Catalan independence movement. The issue was at the heart of the election campaign and has at times unnerved eurozone investors and the rest of the EU.

Alternatively, Sanchez could turn to center-right Ciudadanos. Together, the Socialists and Ciudadanos would have an outright majority.

Though he and Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera have sharply different views on Catalonia and both ruled out forming an alliance during the campaign, speculation persists that the pair could yet strike a coalition deal. Rivera repeated after the election that he would be in the opposition.

Spaniards cast their votes in numbers close to record highs with campaigning dominated by national identity and cultural values like women's rights rather than the economy.

This is the third national election in four years after the first two eroded the decades-long dominance of the two biggest parties, the Socialists and the conservative Popular Party (PP).

By party, Sanchez's Socialists led with 123 seats in the 350-seat parliament. The PP stood at 66 seats, centre-right Ciudadanos ('Citizens') at 57 seats, Podemos at 42 and Vox at 24.

The big loser was the PP, which lost more than half its seats in the lower house of parliament and also lost control of the Senate to the Socialists.

In Spain, issues like mass immigration or Euroscepticism that have dominated political discourse elsewhere have been eclipsed by the question of national unity and the threat posed by the Catalan independence movement.

The economy, one of the euro zone's stars performers, took a back seat in campaigning across the political parties.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez looks set to regain power after his Socialists overcame a historic challenge by right-wing nationalists in elections on Sunday, a result he portrayed as a morale booster for the European Union.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez looks set to regain power after his Socialists overcame a historic challenge by right-wing nationalists in elections on Sunday, a result he portrayed as a morale booster for the European Union. The Socialists gained seats in one of Spain's most hotly contested elections in decades, which featured the rise of far-right party Vox whose ultra-nationalist campaign echoed political trends across Europe where traditional parties have ceded to anti-immigration and eurosceptic forces. However, the rise of Vox also splintered the right-wing vote, further fragmenting Spain's political landscape and playing into the hands of the Socialists which won an almost 50 per cent increase in seats. "The Socialists have won the general election," Sanchez declared, smiling broadly as he addressed jubilant supporters at party headquarters in Madrid. Outside, hundreds celebrated in the street, waving red party flags and chanting 'Long live Spain' and 'Long live Socialism'. "Social democracy has a great future because it has a great present and Spain is an example of that. We will form a pro-European government to strengthen and not weaken Europe," he added. The result is likely to come as a relief for supporters of further European Union integration ahead of May 26 elections for European Parliament amid fears that Vox could have gained a share of power in Spain. Vox secured one in 10 votes and 24 seats, the first far-right party to get a sizeable presence in parliament since the country's return to democracy in the late 1970s, but it did not get the kingmaker role it was looking for. Far left-wing party Podemos immediately offered to open coalition talks with Sanchez, though the two parties together cannot command a majority. "I have expressed to him ... our willingness to work towards a coalition government," Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias told supporters in Madrid. Forming such a coalition "will take much time and I would ask for your patience", he added. The Socialists and Podemos are set to fall around 11 seats short of a parliamentary majority, but bridging the gap would require Sanchez to also rely on Basque nationalists and other small parties. It was unclear in the early hours of Monday if he would also require the support of separatist lawmakers from Catalonia, the country's richest region where a push for independence flared into violence two years ago. "Pedro Sanchez is in a good position," said Pablo Simon, a political science professor at Madrid's Carlos III University. A government deal would be complicated and certainly not be clinched before next month's European Parliament elections, he added. The keys to power Sanchez appears to have two options to put together a coalition. If he wants to rule with Podemos, near-final voting data showed he would need the support of smaller parties to at least abstain. According to Sunday night's count, he would require one Catalan separatist lawmaker to abstain but some seats were too close to call. The picture may still change when the count is finalised in the first two weeks of May. If Sanchez does not need to rely on Catalan separatists, who brought down his minority government, he may have the more political freedom to deal with the Catalan independence movement. The issue was at the heart of the election campaign and has at times unnerved eurozone investors and the rest of the EU. Alternatively, Sanchez could turn to center-right Ciudadanos. Together, the Socialists and Ciudadanos would have an outright majority. Though he and Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera have sharply different views on Catalonia and both ruled out forming an alliance during the campaign, speculation persists that the pair could yet strike a coalition deal. Rivera repeated after the election that he would be in the opposition. Spaniards cast their votes in numbers close to record highs with campaigning dominated by national identity and cultural values like women's rights rather than the economy. This is the third national election in four years after the first two eroded the decades-long dominance of the two biggest parties, the Socialists and the conservative Popular Party (PP). By party, Sanchez's Socialists led with 123 seats in the 350-seat parliament. The PP stood at 66 seats, centre-right Ciudadanos ('Citizens') at 57 seats, Podemos at 42 and Vox at 24. The big loser was the PP, which lost more than half its seats in the lower house of parliament and also lost control of the Senate to the Socialists. In Spain, issues like mass immigration or Euroscepticism that have dominated political discourse elsewhere have been eclipsed by the question of national unity and the threat posed by the Catalan independence movement. The economy, one of the euro zone's stars performers, took a back seat in campaigning across the political parties.

Spain's Socialists on course to regain power but talks await

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

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