The head of Spain's centre-right Ciudadanos party quit on Monday after heavy election losses, potentially making his party more amenable to backing a government led by the Socialists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-votes-in-repeat-general-election-amid-catalonia-tensions-261157">Sunday's election</a> left Spain's parliament even more fragmented than a previous election in April, with the Socialists winning but still short of a majority, and the far-right Vox surging at the expense of the market-friendly Ciudadanos (Citizens).

Ciudadanos, one of the upstart parties that ended the domination of the Socialists and the conservative People's Party (PP), winning its first national seats in 2015, shrank to just 10 seats from 57.

It had billed itself as a new-style liberal, centrist party, but its leader Albert Rivera turned it sharply to the right this year and rejected any form of cooperation with the Socialists.

Rivera said on Monday that his strategy had failed, opening the door for a new leader potentially more open to cooperation.

"It's time to unite Spaniards. The political leaders can divide or look (to)... build bridges," he said in an emotional resignation speech.

Sunday's election was Spain's fourth in four years, and the appearance of new parties has made it ever harder to form a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-far-right-doubles-seats-in-hung-parliament-difficult-talks-ahead-261232">stable government</a>.

Still, senior Socialist official Jose Luis Abalos said the party would try to do so as quickly as possible "because the country needs it", expressing hope that it could take office by December.

He said acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez, the head of the party, was starting to call other party leaders on Monday, and that Ciudadanos had expressed its willingness to help.

Sanchez had gambled on a repeat ballot to break the political deadlock after failing to agree what had seemed a natural alliance with the left-wing Unidas Podemos - which gave up seven seats on Sunday to score 35.

However, the outcome - played out against a secessionist crisis in Catalonia - has left Spain's political landscape even more divided.

The Socialists slipped by three seats, their score of 120 far short of the 176 needed for a majority, even assuming support from Podemos.

Despite a 33 per cent&nbsp;gain to 88 seats by the PP, the Socialists quickly ruled out a "grand coalition" with the conservatives.

Senior PP official Teodoro Garcia Egea told Onda Cero radio on Monday that Sanchez had not even asked his party to offer passive support for a Socialist-led government by abstaining in a confidence vote. "Even if he did, we wouldn't give it to him because we don't trust him," he said.

Abalos ruled out another election, however. The rise of Vox, the first far-right party to get more than one lawmaker since General Francisco's Franco's Fascist regime ended with his death in 1975, may also focus minds on a deal.

To be confirmed as prime minister in a first-round parliamentary vote, Sanchez would need a remote-seeming absolute majority.

But a second-round vote would require only a qualified majority, meaning it could be achieved with the help of abstentions.

The leader of the far-right Vox, which on Sunday became the third-largest by gaining 28 seats for a total of 52, said it would vote against any government led by the Socialists.

Despite Vox's surge, the left-right balance in parliament has changed little from the last parliament.

"No one has won," independent political analyst Miguel-Anxo Murado said. "The best success has been for ... Vox, but this win does not give them any power ... It's not enough for the right-wing bloc to form a government."

The Catalonia crisis also reared its head as some 500 pro-independence <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/catalan-separatists-block-spain-france-highway-261375">protesters blocked </a>an important truck route at the French border.

Organisers said they wanted to "make the Spanish state understand that the only way is to sit down to talk".

Catalonia handed down long prison sentences last month to nine leaders of a failed independence bid, putting the independence drive at the forefront of voters' minds there.

The head of Spain's centre-right Ciudadanos party quit on Monday after heavy election losses, potentially making his party more amenable to backing a government led by the Socialists.

The head of Spain's centre-right Ciudadanos party quit on Monday after heavy election losses, potentially making his party more amenable to backing a government led by the Socialists. Sunday's election left Spain's parliament even more fragmented than a previous election in April, with the Socialists winning but still short of a majority, and the far-right Vox surging at the expense of the market-friendly Ciudadanos (Citizens). Ciudadanos, one of the upstart parties that ended the domination of the Socialists and the conservative People's Party (PP), winning its first national seats in 2015, shrank to just 10 seats from 57. It had billed itself as a new-style liberal, centrist party, but its leader Albert Rivera turned it sharply to the right this year and rejected any form of cooperation with the Socialists. Rivera said on Monday that his strategy had failed, opening the door for a new leader potentially more open to cooperation. "It's time to unite Spaniards. The political leaders can divide or look (to)... build bridges," he said in an emotional resignation speech. Sunday's election was Spain's fourth in four years, and the appearance of new parties has made it ever harder to form a stable government. Still, senior Socialist official Jose Luis Abalos said the party would try to do so as quickly as possible "because the country needs it", expressing hope that it could take office by December. He said acting prime minister Pedro Sanchez, the head of the party, was starting to call other party leaders on Monday, and that Ciudadanos had expressed its willingness to help. Sanchez had gambled on a repeat ballot to break the political deadlock after failing to agree what had seemed a natural alliance with the left-wing Unidas Podemos - which gave up seven seats on Sunday to score 35. However, the outcome - played out against a secessionist crisis in Catalonia - has left Spain's political landscape even more divided. The Socialists slipped by three seats, their score of 120 far short of the 176 needed for a majority, even assuming support from Podemos. Despite a 33 per cent gain to 88 seats by the PP, the Socialists quickly ruled out a "grand coalition" with the conservatives. Senior PP official Teodoro Garcia Egea told Onda Cero radio on Monday that Sanchez had not even asked his party to offer passive support for a Socialist-led government by abstaining in a confidence vote. "Even if he did, we wouldn't give it to him because we don't trust him," he said. Abalos ruled out another election, however. The rise of Vox, the first far-right party to get more than one lawmaker since General Francisco's Franco's Fascist regime ended with his death in 1975, may also focus minds on a deal. To be confirmed as prime minister in a first-round parliamentary vote, Sanchez would need a remote-seeming absolute majority. But a second-round vote would require only a qualified majority, meaning it could be achieved with the help of abstentions. The leader of the far-right Vox, which on Sunday became the third-largest by gaining 28 seats for a total of 52, said it would vote against any government led by the Socialists. Despite Vox's surge, the left-right balance in parliament has changed little from the last parliament. "No one has won," independent political analyst Miguel-Anxo Murado said. "The best success has been for ... Vox, but this win does not give them any power ... It's not enough for the right-wing bloc to form a government." The Catalonia crisis also reared its head as some 500 pro-independence protesters blocked an important truck route at the French border. Organisers said they wanted to "make the Spanish state understand that the only way is to sit down to talk". Catalonia handed down long prison sentences last month to nine leaders of a failed independence bid, putting the independence drive at the forefront of voters' minds there.

Spain's Socialists again seek to rule without majority as Ciudadanos collapses

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

Election authorities have banned Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont, who fled Spain in 2017 after a secession attempt, from running in EU polls, his party said Monday.

Together for Catalonia issued a statement accusing the electoral commission of wanting to "silence and push aside" Puigdemont "so that he can't explain what he represents at the heart of European institutions."

The commission decision, seen by AFP, also excludes Toni Comin, who was in Catalonia's regional government when the secession bid happened and is now in self-exile in Belgium.

Clara Ponsati, another former Catalan minister who fled Spain and planned to run in the elections, has been banned as well.

The commission would not comment when contacted by AFP.

Puigdemont, Comin and Ponsati were all part of a push to hold an independence referendum in October 2017 in defiance of a court ban.

That sparked Spain's deepest political crisis in decades.

The referendum in the wealthy northeastern region was followed by a short-lived declaration of independence.

Then conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy promptly moved in, taking direct control of the region, sacking the Catalan executive and calling snap polls.

That prompted Puigdemont and others to flee Spain.

Those Catalan leaders who remained in Spain are now on trial in Madrid over their role in the secession bid.

Election authorities have banned Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont, who fled Spain in 2017 after a secession attempt, from running in EU polls, his party said Monday.

Election authorities have banned Catalonia's former president Carles Puigdemont, who fled Spain in 2017 after a secession attempt, from running in EU polls, his party said Monday. Together for Catalonia issued a statement accusing the electoral commission of wanting to "silence and push aside" Puigdemont "so that he can't explain what he represents at the heart of European institutions." The commission decision, seen by AFP, also excludes Toni Comin, who was in Catalonia's regional government when the secession bid happened and is now in self-exile in Belgium. Clara Ponsati, another former Catalan minister who fled Spain and planned to run in the elections, has been banned as well. The commission would not comment when contacted by AFP. Puigdemont, Comin and Ponsati were all part of a push to hold an independence referendum in October 2017 in defiance of a court ban. That sparked Spain's deepest political crisis in decades. The referendum in the wealthy northeastern region was followed by a short-lived declaration of independence. Then conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy promptly moved in, taking direct control of the region, sacking the Catalan executive and calling snap polls. That prompted Puigdemont and others to flee Spain. Those Catalan leaders who remained in Spain are now on trial in Madrid over their role in the secession bid.

Catalonia's ex-leader Carles Puigdemont banned from European Union polls: Party

Five jailed Catalan separatists were elected in Spanish elections on Sunday, as their parties made gains in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-pm-pedro-sanchez-win-snap-polls-marked-by-far-right-gains-214244">snap polls won by the socialists</a> and also marked by the emergence of the far-right.

The northeastern region's former vice-president Oriol Junqueras, who along with then Catalan president Carles Puigdemont instigated a secession attempt in 2017, was one of those elected to the lower house.

He led the list of his ERC separatist party.

Others include civic leader Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Turull, Catalonia's government spokesman at the time of the attempt to break from Spain in October 2017.

Both were candidates for Together for Catalonia, the party of Puigdemont, who fled Spain and avoided arrest.

Josep Rull, also part of Catalonia's regional government at that time, was also elected to the lower house.

Raul Romeva, in charge of Catalonia's foreign affairs at the time of the secession bid, was elected to the Senate.

All are in jail and are currently being tried at Spain's Supreme Court.

The elections saw Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's socialists win, but without the necessary majority to govern solo in a fragmented political landscape marked by the far-right's entry into parliament.

Five jailed Catalan separatists were elected in Spanish elections on Sunday, as their parties made gains in snap polls won by the socialists and also marked by the emergence of the far-right.

Five jailed Catalan separatists were elected in Spanish elections on Sunday, as their parties made gains in snap polls won by the socialists and also marked by the emergence of the far-right. The northeastern region's former vice-president Oriol Junqueras, who along with then Catalan president Carles Puigdemont instigated a secession attempt in 2017, was one of those elected to the lower house. He led the list of his ERC separatist party. Others include civic leader Jordi Sanchez and Jordi Turull, Catalonia's government spokesman at the time of the attempt to break from Spain in October 2017. Both were candidates for Together for Catalonia, the party of Puigdemont, who fled Spain and avoided arrest. Josep Rull, also part of Catalonia's regional government at that time, was also elected to the lower house. Raul Romeva, in charge of Catalonia's foreign affairs at the time of the secession bid, was elected to the Senate. All are in jail and are currently being tried at Spain's Supreme Court. The elections saw Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's socialists win, but without the necessary majority to govern solo in a fragmented political landscape marked by the far-right's entry into parliament.

Jailed Catalan separatists elected to parliament in Spain polls

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

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a national election on Sunday but failed to gain a parliamentary majority. Sanchez will now seek partners to form a new government.

Here are the likely next steps:

What happens now?

Sanchez will approach other parties in an attempt to find common ground to form a government. The talks could last weeks if not months.

The first session of the lower chamber is scheduled for May 21. After that, King Felipe will consult with party leaders to find a prime ministerial candidate who the lower chamber will support.

A new government needs an absolute majority in a first-round parliamentary vote to take office. In a second round vote, only a simple majority is necessary.

If the candidate fails to pass these votes, the clock starts ticking on a two-month deadline for deputies to choose a new prime minister before parliament is automatically dissolved, and another election scheduled to take place 54 days later.

What is the most likely outcome?

Most analysts believe the most likely result is a coalition government of the Socialists and leftist Podemos, although they would not have a majority.

At the last count, the Socialists had won 123 seats in parliament and Podemos 42. That leaves them 11 seats short of a majority in the 350-seat parliament and means they would still rely on smaller parties, most likely Basque nationalists or Catalan separatists, to go ahead.

The picture could still change slightly as the election count is finalised in the first weeks of May.

Other possible outcomes

If talks between the Socialists and Podemos fail, Sanchez could contact centre-right Ciudadanos, which became Spain's third-biggest party after Sunday's vote with 57 seats in parliament. The two parties would have a majority and many in the financial markets see this as the preferred option.

So far neither party has backed this option. Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera has told supporters his party would lead the parliamentary opposition to Sanchez while Socialist backers chanted "with Rivera, no!" at a post-election rally on Sunday.

Alternatively, senior members of Sanchez's government have suggested they could continue to govern with a minority of seats, as they have since taking office last June.

How long will it take?

After discussions with the parties, King Felipe faces no specific deadline to propose a candidate.

There are regional and local elections on May 26 - the same day as European Parliament elections - which will delay talks to form a government. That means a new government is unlikely to be ready until June or July.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a national election on Sunday but failed to gain a parliamentary majority. Sanchez will now seek partners to form a new government.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists won a national election on Sunday but failed to gain a parliamentary majority. Sanchez will now seek partners to form a new government. Here are the likely next steps: What happens now? Sanchez will approach other parties in an attempt to find common ground to form a government. The talks could last weeks if not months. The first session of the lower chamber is scheduled for May 21. After that, King Felipe will consult with party leaders to find a prime ministerial candidate who the lower chamber will support. A new government needs an absolute majority in a first-round parliamentary vote to take office. In a second round vote, only a simple majority is necessary. If the candidate fails to pass these votes, the clock starts ticking on a two-month deadline for deputies to choose a new prime minister before parliament is automatically dissolved, and another election scheduled to take place 54 days later. What is the most likely outcome? Most analysts believe the most likely result is a coalition government of the Socialists and leftist Podemos, although they would not have a majority. At the last count, the Socialists had won 123 seats in parliament and Podemos 42. That leaves them 11 seats short of a majority in the 350-seat parliament and means they would still rely on smaller parties, most likely Basque nationalists or Catalan separatists, to go ahead. The picture could still change slightly as the election count is finalised in the first weeks of May. Other possible outcomes If talks between the Socialists and Podemos fail, Sanchez could contact centre-right Ciudadanos, which became Spain's third-biggest party after Sunday's vote with 57 seats in parliament. The two parties would have a majority and many in the financial markets see this as the preferred option. So far neither party has backed this option. Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera has told supporters his party would lead the parliamentary opposition to Sanchez while Socialist backers chanted "with Rivera, no!" at a post-election rally on Sunday. Alternatively, senior members of Sanchez's government have suggested they could continue to govern with a minority of seats, as they have since taking office last June. How long will it take? After discussions with the parties, King Felipe faces no specific deadline to propose a candidate. There are regional and local elections on May 26 - the same day as European Parliament elections - which will delay talks to form a government. That means a new government is unlikely to be ready until June or July.

What happens next as Spain's Socialists try to form government

Spaniards flocked to vote on Sunday in a tense snap general election that could see the far-right make a dramatic entrance in parliament after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics.

Opinion polls give outgoing socialist premier Pedro Sanchez a win but without the necessary majority to govern alone, meaning he will have to seek alliances in a political environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid.

The most significant new development of these elections is the emergence of far-right party Vox, which burst onto the scene in December regional polls in southern Andalusia and looks set to make its first-ever entrance into the national parliament.

Polls predict it could take more than 10 per cent of the votes in a country that had no far-right party to speak of since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, in what is likely to cause further concern in Europe.

After a tense campaign, voter turnout as of 6 pm (1600 GMT) stood at 60.75 per cent, up from 51.21 per cent at the same time in the preceding polls in 2016, election authorities said. Turnout was notably higher in Catalonia, rising nearly 18 percentage points.

Retired construction worker Carlos Gonzalez said he had cast his ballot for the Socialists because they were a "moderate option".

Vox "is going backwards, to the past. It's not the future because the future is a united Europe," he told AFP at a Madrid polling station.

Sanchez, who took power in June after ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, has warned against Spain replicating what happened in Finland's elections two weeks ago.

There, the far-right Finns Party came second, closely tailing the leftist Social Democrats, after polls initially predicted it would end up in fifth position.

In Spain, polls also forecast that Vox, with its ultra-nationalist rhetoric that advocates the "defence of the Spanish nation to the end," will come in fifth place.

But analysts believe it could do better, saying there may be many "hidden" Vox supporters who lie when asked by pollsters who they will be voting for, and it could prop up a right-wing government.

Vox leader Santiago Abascal predicted these elections would be "historical" for Spain as he cast his ballot in Madrid.

'Restore order'

Founded by Abascal, a former member of the conservative Popular Party (PP), with a strong stance against feminism and illegal immigration, Vox has risen thanks to its 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 crisis in decades and caused major concern in Europe.

Since then, the crisis has continued to cast a pall over Spanish politics.

Sanchez was forced to call Sunday's early 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 have for their part lambasted Sanchez, at the head of a minority government, for his attempts to negotiate with Catalan separatists who still govern the region, accusing him of being a traitor.

Dolores Palomo, a 48-year-old domestic worker, said she has always voted for the Socialists but had cast her ballot for centre-right Ciudadanos this time at a polling station in Hospitalet de Llobregat, near Barcelona, because Sanchez "is a puppet of the separatists".

Chronic instability?

Polling stations will close at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT), with results announced later Sunday.

With no party expected to get anywhere near an absolute majority in what will be the third elections in three-and-a-half years, Spain's political landscape looks set to continue to be fragmented.

If, as opinion polls predict, Sanchez wins without a majority, he will have to forge alliances with far-left Podemos -- as he did over the past 10 months -- but also possibly smaller groupings like Catalan separatist parties.

He would rather not have to do that, given right-wing parties' accusations that he cosied up with the "enemies of Spain" during his time in government.

A possible alliance with Ciudadanos has not been ruled out, even if the party's leader Albert Rivera has made "chasing" the socialists from power a "national urgency".

Spaniards flocked to vote on Sunday in a tense snap general election that could see the far-right make a dramatic entrance in parliament after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics.

Spaniards flocked to vote on Sunday in a tense snap general election that could see the far-right make a dramatic entrance in parliament after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics. Opinion polls give outgoing socialist premier Pedro Sanchez a win but without the necessary majority to govern alone, meaning he will have to seek alliances in a political environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid. The most significant new development of these elections is the emergence of far-right party Vox, which burst onto the scene in December regional polls in southern Andalusia and looks set to make its first-ever entrance into the national parliament. Polls predict it could take more than 10 per cent of the votes in a country that had no far-right party to speak of since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, in what is likely to cause further concern in Europe. After a tense campaign, voter turnout as of 6 pm (1600 GMT) stood at 60.75 per cent, up from 51.21 per cent at the same time in the preceding polls in 2016, election authorities said. Turnout was notably higher in Catalonia, rising nearly 18 percentage points. Retired construction worker Carlos Gonzalez said he had cast his ballot for the Socialists because they were a "moderate option". Vox "is going backwards, to the past. It's not the future because the future is a united Europe," he told AFP at a Madrid polling station. Sanchez, who took power in June after ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, has warned against Spain replicating what happened in Finland's elections two weeks ago. There, the far-right Finns Party came second, closely tailing the leftist Social Democrats, after polls initially predicted it would end up in fifth position. In Spain, polls also forecast that Vox, with its ultra-nationalist rhetoric that advocates the "defence of the Spanish nation to the end," will come in fifth place. But analysts believe it could do better, saying there may be many "hidden" Vox supporters who lie when asked by pollsters who they will be voting for, and it could prop up a right-wing government. Vox leader Santiago Abascal predicted these elections would be "historical" for Spain as he cast his ballot in Madrid. 'Restore order' Founded by Abascal, a former member of the conservative Popular Party (PP), with a strong stance against feminism and illegal immigration, Vox has risen thanks to its 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 crisis in decades and caused major concern in Europe. Since then, the crisis has continued to cast a pall over Spanish politics. Sanchez was forced to call Sunday's early 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 have for their part lambasted Sanchez, at the head of a minority government, for his attempts to negotiate with Catalan separatists who still govern the region, accusing him of being a traitor. Dolores Palomo, a 48-year-old domestic worker, said she has always voted for the Socialists but had cast her ballot for centre-right Ciudadanos this time at a polling station in Hospitalet de Llobregat, near Barcelona, because Sanchez "is a puppet of the separatists". Chronic instability? Polling stations will close at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT), with results announced later Sunday. With no party expected to get anywhere near an absolute majority in what will be the third elections in three-and-a-half years, Spain's political landscape looks set to continue to be fragmented. If, as opinion polls predict, Sanchez wins without a majority, he will have to forge alliances with far-left Podemos -- as he did over the past 10 months -- but also possibly smaller groupings like Catalan separatist parties. He would rather not have to do that, given right-wing parties' accusations that he cosied up with the "enemies of Spain" during his time in government. A possible alliance with Ciudadanos has not been ruled out, even if the party's leader Albert Rivera has made "chasing" the socialists from power a "national urgency".

Big turnout for Spain's early election marked by far-right emergence

Spain voted Sunday in an uncertain snap general election marked by a resurgence of the far-right after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics.

Opinion polls give outgoing socialist premier Pedro Sanchez a win but without the necessary majority to govern alone, meaning he will have to seek alliances in a political environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid.

By far the novelty of these elections is the emergence of far-right party Vox, which burst onto the scene in December regional polls in southern Andalusia and looks set to make its first-ever entrance into the national parliament.

Polls predict it could take more than 10 percent of the votes in a country that had no far-right party to speak of since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, in what is likely to cause further concern in Europe.

Polling stations will close at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT), with results announced later Sunday.

Retired construction worker Carlos Gonzalez told AFP at a polling station in Madrid that he had cast his ballot for the Socialists because they were a "moderate option".

Vox "is going backwards, to the past. It's not the future because the future is a united Europe," he added.

Sanchez, who took power in June after ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, has warned against Spain replicating what happened in Finland's elections two weeks ago.

There, the far-right Finns Party came second, closely tailing the leftist Social Democrats, after polls initially predicted it would end up in fifth position.

In Spain, polls also forecast that Vox, with its ultra-nationalist rhetoric that advocates the "defence of the Spanish nation to the end," will come in fifth place.

But analysts believe it could do better, saying there may be many "hidden" Vox supporters who lie when asked by pollsters who they will be voting for.

"There is a real, true risk," Sanchez said this week, warning that a right-wing government supported by Vox could emerge in Spain after the elections, even if opinion polls say this is unlikely.

'Restore order'

Founded by a former member of the conservative Popular Party (PP), with a strong stance against feminism and illegal immigration, Vox has risen thanks to its 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 crisis in decades and caused major concern in Europe.

Since then, the crisis has continued to cast a pall over Spanish politics.

Sanchez was forced to call Sunday's early 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 have for their part lambasted Sanchez, at the head of a minority government, for his attempts to negotiate with Catalan separatists who still govern the region, accusing him of being a traitor.

"I hope the right wins and restores a bit of order here," said Teresa Diaz, a 63-year-old pensioner, after casting her ballot in Hospitalet de Llobregat, near Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia.

Chronic instability?

With no party expected to get anywhere near an absolute majority in what will be the third elections in three-and-a-half years, Spain's fragmented political landscape looks set to continue.

If, as opinion polls predict, Sanchez wins without a majority, he will have to forge alliances with far-left Podemos -- as he did over the past 10 months -- but also possibly smaller groupings like Catalan separatist parties.

He would rather not have to do that, given right-wing parties' accusations that he cosied up with the "enemies of Spain" during his time in government.

A possible alliance with Ciudadanos has not been ruled out, even if the centre-right party's leader Albert Rivera has made "chasing" the socialists from power a "national urgency." 
&nbsp;

Spain voted Sunday in an uncertain snap general election marked by a resurgence of the far-right after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics. Opinion polls give outgoing socialist premier Pedro Sanchez a win but without the necessary majority to govern alone, meaning he will have to seek alliances in a political environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid.

Spain voted Sunday in an uncertain snap general election marked by a resurgence of the far-right after more than four decades on the outer margins of politics. Opinion polls give outgoing socialist premier Pedro Sanchez a win but without the necessary majority to govern alone, meaning he will have to seek alliances in a political environment that has soured since Catalonia's failed secession bid. By far the novelty of these elections is the emergence of far-right party Vox, which burst onto the scene in December regional polls in southern Andalusia and looks set to make its first-ever entrance into the national parliament. Polls predict it could take more than 10 percent of the votes in a country that had no far-right party to speak of since the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975, in what is likely to cause further concern in Europe. Polling stations will close at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT), with results announced later Sunday. Retired construction worker Carlos Gonzalez told AFP at a polling station in Madrid that he had cast his ballot for the Socialists because they were a "moderate option". Vox "is going backwards, to the past. It's not the future because the future is a united Europe," he added. Sanchez, who took power in June after ousting conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, has warned against Spain replicating what happened in Finland's elections two weeks ago. There, the far-right Finns Party came second, closely tailing the leftist Social Democrats, after polls initially predicted it would end up in fifth position. In Spain, polls also forecast that Vox, with its ultra-nationalist rhetoric that advocates the "defence of the Spanish nation to the end," will come in fifth place. But analysts believe it could do better, saying there may be many "hidden" Vox supporters who lie when asked by pollsters who they will be voting for. "There is a real, true risk," Sanchez said this week, warning that a right-wing government supported by Vox could emerge in Spain after the elections, even if opinion polls say this is unlikely. 'Restore order' Founded by a former member of the conservative Popular Party (PP), with a strong stance against feminism and illegal immigration, Vox has risen thanks to its 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 crisis in decades and caused major concern in Europe. Since then, the crisis has continued to cast a pall over Spanish politics. Sanchez was forced to call Sunday's early 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 have for their part lambasted Sanchez, at the head of a minority government, for his attempts to negotiate with Catalan separatists who still govern the region, accusing him of being a traitor. "I hope the right wins and restores a bit of order here," said Teresa Diaz, a 63-year-old pensioner, after casting her ballot in Hospitalet de Llobregat, near Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. Chronic instability? With no party expected to get anywhere near an absolute majority in what will be the third elections in three-and-a-half years, Spain's fragmented political landscape looks set to continue. If, as opinion polls predict, Sanchez wins without a majority, he will have to forge alliances with far-left Podemos -- as he did over the past 10 months -- but also possibly smaller groupings like Catalan separatist parties. He would rather not have to do that, given right-wing parties' accusations that he cosied up with the "enemies of Spain" during his time in government. A possible alliance with Ciudadanos has not been ruled out, even if the centre-right party's leader Albert Rivera has made "chasing" the socialists from power a "national urgency."

Spain votes in early election marked by far-right resurgence

From the youthful conservative hardliner to the pony-tailed far-left former professor, the cast of candidates challenging Spain's socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez represents the country's changing political landscape. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Here are the f<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/voting-begins-in-spain-election-marked-by-far-right-resurgence-214062">ive main candidates locking horns in Sunday's election</a>.

Pedro Sanchez

Opinion polls have tipped the 47-year-old socialist prime minister as the winner but without the majority, he will need to govern.

After having led the Socialist Party (PSOE) to one of its worst ever scores in the 2016 election, Sanchez took power in June from then conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy, toppled by a no-confidence motion.

Sanchez's minority government was supported by a motley crew -- far-left Podemos, Basque nationalists and separatist lawmakers from Catalonia, the northeastern region rocked by a failed secession bid in 2017.

But the trained economist was forced to call early elections after Catalan lawmakers refused to back his 2019 budget.

Leading an executive with the highest number of female ministers in Spanish history, Sanchez scored big in Europe soon after taking office by accepting to take in 630 migrants rescued by the Aquarius charity ship.

After years of devastating austerity, he also increased the minimum salary by 22 per cent.

Pablo Casado

In July, the 38-year-old became the conservative Popular Party's (PP) youngest ever leader.

In charge of the party's communications under Rajoy, the law graduate has steered the PP further to the right.

After December regional elections in southern Andalusia, his candidate leapt to power with the support of centre-right Ciudadanos and far-right party Vox, chasing the socialists from their traditional stronghold.

If a similar alliance took shape after Sunday's election, Casado -- who has waged an aggressive campaign against Sanchez, accusing him of betraying Spain for talking with Catalan separatists -- could become the youngest Spanish prime minister in history.

But opinion polls estimate the PP won't do well, caught as it is between Ciudadanos and Vox.

Pablo Iglesias

The pony-tailed former politics professor is looking for a new lease of life for his far-left Podemos party which contributed to the end of two-party politics in 2015 along with Ciudadanos.

Born from the Indignados anti-austerity movement that shook Spain during the economic crisis, Podemos would like to forge a coalition with the socialists.

But the party has been weakened by internal divisions, and opinion polls estimate it will only get half the parliamentary seats it won in 2016.

Iglesias himself has also been hit by a controversy over a luxury villa the 40-year-old bought last year with his partner Irene Montero, deputy leader of Podemos.

Albert Rivera

The centre-right Ciudadanos leader from Barcelona with a liberal economic and social programme fiercely defends the unity of Spain in the face of separatists in his native Catalonia.

The 39-year-old's Ciudadanos entered the national parliament with a bang in 2015, pledging to wipe out the traditional left-right divide.

Rivera, who has since veered more to the right, now refuses any potential alliance with Sanchez if the latter wins after having tried -- and failed -- to enter a coalition with him in 2016.

He has instead reached out to the PP.

Santiago Abascal

A former PP member who grew up in the northern Basque Country under the constant threat of separatist group ETA, Abascal has created a stir with his far-right party Vox.

Opinion polls say his ultra-nationalist party could get more than 10 per cent of votes in a country with no far-right to speak of until now.

Largely unknown until several months ago, Abascal has benefited from his hardline stance against Catalan separatism.

Making regular headlines with controversial proposals, the 43-year-old criticises traditional media and has used social networks hugely for his campaign.

From the youthful conservative hardliner to the pony-tailed far-left former professor, the cast of candidates challenging Spain's socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez represents the country's changing political landscape.

From the youthful conservative hardliner to the pony-tailed far-left former professor, the cast of candidates challenging Spain's socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez represents the country's changing political landscape. Here are the five main candidates locking horns in Sunday's election. Pedro Sanchez Opinion polls have tipped the 47-year-old socialist prime minister as the winner but without the majority, he will need to govern. After having led the Socialist Party (PSOE) to one of its worst ever scores in the 2016 election, Sanchez took power in June from then conservative prime minister Mariano Rajoy, toppled by a no-confidence motion. Sanchez's minority government was supported by a motley crew -- far-left Podemos, Basque nationalists and separatist lawmakers from Catalonia, the northeastern region rocked by a failed secession bid in 2017. But the trained economist was forced to call early elections after Catalan lawmakers refused to back his 2019 budget. Leading an executive with the highest number of female ministers in Spanish history, Sanchez scored big in Europe soon after taking office by accepting to take in 630 migrants rescued by the Aquarius charity ship. After years of devastating austerity, he also increased the minimum salary by 22 per cent. Pablo Casado In July, the 38-year-old became the conservative Popular Party's (PP) youngest ever leader. In charge of the party's communications under Rajoy, the law graduate has steered the PP further to the right. After December regional elections in southern Andalusia, his candidate leapt to power with the support of centre-right Ciudadanos and far-right party Vox, chasing the socialists from their traditional stronghold. If a similar alliance took shape after Sunday's election, Casado -- who has waged an aggressive campaign against Sanchez, accusing him of betraying Spain for talking with Catalan separatists -- could become the youngest Spanish prime minister in history. But opinion polls estimate the PP won't do well, caught as it is between Ciudadanos and Vox. Pablo Iglesias The pony-tailed former politics professor is looking for a new lease of life for his far-left Podemos party which contributed to the end of two-party politics in 2015 along with Ciudadanos. Born from the Indignados anti-austerity movement that shook Spain during the economic crisis, Podemos would like to forge a coalition with the socialists. But the party has been weakened by internal divisions, and opinion polls estimate it will only get half the parliamentary seats it won in 2016. Iglesias himself has also been hit by a controversy over a luxury villa the 40-year-old bought last year with his partner Irene Montero, deputy leader of Podemos. Albert Rivera The centre-right Ciudadanos leader from Barcelona with a liberal economic and social programme fiercely defends the unity of Spain in the face of separatists in his native Catalonia. The 39-year-old's Ciudadanos entered the national parliament with a bang in 2015, pledging to wipe out the traditional left-right divide. Rivera, who has since veered more to the right, now refuses any potential alliance with Sanchez if the latter wins after having tried -- and failed -- to enter a coalition with him in 2016. He has instead reached out to the PP. Santiago Abascal A former PP member who grew up in the northern Basque Country under the constant threat of separatist group ETA, Abascal has created a stir with his far-right party Vox. Opinion polls say his ultra-nationalist party could get more than 10 per cent of votes in a country with no far-right to speak of until now. Largely unknown until several months ago, Abascal has benefited from his hardline stance against Catalan separatism. Making regular headlines with controversial proposals, the 43-year-old criticises traditional media and has used social networks hugely for his campaign.

Spain's five main election candidates

Spanish elections: 5 main issues at stake in Sunday's polls

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-troops-kill-two-suspected-is-gunmen-explosives-found-during-raid-213815">Sri Lanka troops kill two suspected IS gunmen; explosives found during raid&nbsp;</a>

Sri Lankan security forces raided a safe house of Islamic State affiliated militants in the east of the country and killed at least two men in an exchange of fire, news agency AFP reported quoting military spokesman.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-rejects-un-arms-trade-treaty-says-revoking-predecessors-signature-213808">Trump rejects UN treaty aimed at regulating global arms trade</a>

President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-far-right-the-clear-leader-in-social-media-213822">Spain's far-right, the clear leader in social media</a>

Just like US President Donald Trump and France's Marine Le Pen, Spain's far-right party Vox has made a point of dominating social media with its hardline rhetoric ahead of elections on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-raises-63-million-in-first-24-hours-of-campaign-213809">Joe Biden raises $6.3 million in first 24 hours of campaign</a>

US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-urges-citizens-to-reconsider-travel-to-sri-lanka-over-terror-threat-213813">US urges citizens to 'reconsider travel' to Sri Lanka over terror threat</a>

The US State Department on Friday raised the level of its travel warning for Sri Lanka, urging citizens to reconsider visiting the island in the wake of a devastating series of suicide bombings that killed more than 250 people.

Sri Lanka troops kill two suspected IS gunmen; explosives found during raid Sri Lankan security forces raided a safe house of Islamic State affiliated militants in the east of the country and killed at least two men in an exchange of fire, news agency AFP reported quoting military spokesman.

Sri Lanka troops kill two suspected IS gunmen; explosives found during raid Sri Lankan security forces raided a safe house of Islamic State affiliated militants in the east of the country and killed at least two men in an exchange of fire, news agency AFP reported quoting military spokesman. Trump rejects UN treaty aimed at regulating global arms trade President Donald Trump announced Friday that the United States would not abide by a UN treaty aimed at regulating the global arms trade, calling it "misguided" and encroachment on US sovereignty. Spain's far-right, the clear leader in social media Just like US President Donald Trump and France's Marine Le Pen, Spain's far-right party Vox has made a point of dominating social media with its hardline rhetoric ahead of elections on Sunday. Joe Biden raises $6.3 million in first 24 hours of campaign US Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden raised $6.3 million in the first 24 hours of his campaign, providing a stronger showing than any of his rivals. US urges citizens to 'reconsider travel' to Sri Lanka over terror threat The US State Department on Friday raised the level of its travel warning for Sri Lanka, urging citizens to reconsider visiting the island in the wake of a devastating series of suicide bombings that killed more than 250 people.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Catalans take their independence struggle to the polls Thursday in a hotly-contested election that could mark a turning point for their region just two months after a secession bid ended in failure.

The vote pits leaders of the wealthy northeastern region&#39;s separatist movement against parties that want to remain in Spain, and opinion polls suggest both sides&#39; leading candidates are neck-and-neck.

Will voters again hand victory to pro-independence parties that tried to break Catalonia from Spain, one of whose candidates is in jail and the other in self-imposed exile in Belgium?

Or will they lose the absolute parliamentary majority of 72 seats they won in 2015 in what would be a stunning upset for the region&#39;s secessionist drive?

At stake is the economy of a region that has seen its tourism sector suffer and more than 3,000 companies move their legal headquarters since Catalan leaders held a banned independence referendum on October 1.

While Catalonia has long been divided over independence, it was the referendum -- and a heavy police crackdown on voters -- that focused the world&#39;s attention on the region.

After weeks of uncertainty as separatist leaders and Madrid played for time, the crisis came to a head on October 27 when the regional parliament declared unilateral independence.

That was short-lived, though, as Madrid took the unprecedented step of stripping the region of its autonomy, sacking its government, dissolving its parliament and calling snap elections.

&#39;A date with history&#39;

Axed Catalan president Carles Puigdemont fled to Belgium, avoiding detention on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for his role in the independence drive.

He has since campaigned virtually, holding rallies via videolink.

His deputy Oriol Junqueras remained in Spain and was jailed along with others pending an investigation into the same charges.

Allowed just 10 phone calls a week, he has sent out messages and even poems to supporters from behind bars.

Opinion polls suggest his leftist ERC party could win, and independence supporters in general are rallying to the cause, some of them wearing yellow, the colour of those protesting against the detention of separatists.

&quot;If a leader is removed, another takes their place,&quot; said Marc Botey, a 47-year-old musician who will vote for ERC, stressing the independence drive would go on regardless who their leader was.

Over on the other side, the centrist, anti-independence Ciudadanos party is close to ERC according to polls and some suggest it could win under Ines Arrimadas, a charismatic 36-year-old.

&quot;We have a date with history, these elections will be remembered,&quot; she told a cheering crowd in Barcelona to close the campaign Tuesday.

Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique, a Catalan, tweeted Wednesday: &quot;Sleep well, rest up. The future is in our hands.&quot;

No clear winner

Record turnout is expected but whatever the result, voters and analysts predict no single party will win a decisive majority, which will force negotiations to form a government.

Both camps consist of three parties that may struggle to join forces -- Puigdemont&#39;s Together for Catalonia list, ERC and the far-left CUP party for independence, and Ciudadanos, the Socialists and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy&#39;s Popular Party against it.

In between is the leftist Catalunya en Comu-Podem grouping, which is against independence but supports holding a legal referendum and could play the role of kingmaker.

&quot;Protracted and messy government formation negotiations are likely,&quot; predicted Antonio Barroso, deputy research director for Teneo Intelligence.

Crucially, even if the pro-independence camp maintains its absolute majority, it is not expected to attempt another breakaway from Spain but rather try to enter into negotiations with Madrid.

 
&nbsp;

The vote pits leaders of the wealthy northeastern region's separatist movement against parties that want to remain in Spain

Catalans take their independence struggle to the polls Thursday in a hotly-contested election that could mark a turning point for their region just two months after a secession bid ended in failure. The vote pits leaders of the wealthy northeastern region's separatist movement against parties that want to remain in Spain, and opinion polls suggest both sides' leading candidates are neck-and-neck. Will voters again hand victory to pro-independence parties that tried to break Catalonia from Spain, one of whose candidates is in jail and the other in self-imposed exile in Belgium? Or will they lose the absolute parliamentary majority of 72 seats they won in 2015 in what would be a stunning upset for the region's secessionist drive? At stake is the economy of a region that has seen its tourism sector suffer and more than 3,000 companies move their legal headquarters since Catalan leaders held a banned independence referendum on October 1. While Catalonia has long been divided over independence, it was the referendum -- and a heavy police crackdown on voters -- that focused the world's attention on the region. After weeks of uncertainty as separatist leaders and Madrid played for time, the crisis came to a head on October 27 when the regional parliament declared unilateral independence. That was short-lived, though, as Madrid took the unprecedented step of stripping the region of its autonomy, sacking its government, dissolving its parliament and calling snap elections. 'A date with history' Axed Catalan president Carles Puigdemont fled to Belgium, avoiding detention on charges of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for his role in the independence drive. He has since campaigned virtually, holding rallies via videolink. His deputy Oriol Junqueras remained in Spain and was jailed along with others pending an investigation into the same charges. Allowed just 10 phone calls a week, he has sent out messages and even poems to supporters from behind bars. Opinion polls suggest his leftist ERC party could win, and independence supporters in general are rallying to the cause, some of them wearing yellow, the colour of those protesting against the detention of separatists. "If a leader is removed, another takes their place," said Marc Botey, a 47-year-old musician who will vote for ERC, stressing the independence drive would go on regardless who their leader was. Over on the other side, the centrist, anti-independence Ciudadanos party is close to ERC according to polls and some suggest it could win under Ines Arrimadas, a charismatic 36-year-old. "We have a date with history, these elections will be remembered," she told a cheering crowd in Barcelona to close the campaign Tuesday. Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique, a Catalan, tweeted Wednesday: "Sleep well, rest up. The future is in our hands." No clear winner Record turnout is expected but whatever the result, voters and analysts predict no single party will win a decisive majority, which will force negotiations to form a government. Both camps consist of three parties that may struggle to join forces -- Puigdemont's Together for Catalonia list, ERC and the far-left CUP party for independence, and Ciudadanos, the Socialists and Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party against it. In between is the leftist Catalunya en Comu-Podem grouping, which is against independence but supports holding a legal referendum and could play the role of kingmaker. "Protracted and messy government formation negotiations are likely," predicted Antonio Barroso, deputy research director for Teneo Intelligence. Crucially, even if the pro-independence camp maintains its absolute majority, it is not expected to attempt another breakaway from Spain but rather try to enter into negotiations with Madrid.

Independence or not? Catalans vote in decisive election

Catalonia&#39;s ousted leader Carles Puigdemont said on Tuesday he accepted the snap election called by Spain&#39;s central government after Madrid took control of the region to block its push for independence.

Puigdemont, speaking at a news conference in Brussels, also said he was not seeking asylum in Belgium after Spain&#39;s state prosecutor recommended charges for rebellion and sedition be brought against him. He would return to Catalonia when given &quot;guarantees&quot; by the Spanish government, he said.&nbsp;

(Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/spain-court-suspends-catalan-independence-declaration-23237">Spain court suspends Catalan independence declaration</a>)

Puigdemont&#39;s announcement that he would accept the regional election on December 21 confirmed that the Madrid government had gained the upper hand in the protracted struggle over Catalonia, for now at least.

Resistance to Madrid&#39;s imposition of direct control on Catalonia failed to materialise at the start of the week and the secessionist leadership is in disarray.

Spain&#39;s Constitutional Court on Tuesday blocked the unilateral declaration of independence made by the regional parliament on Friday, a move that gained no traction and led to its dismissal less than an hour after it was made.

&quot;I ask the Catalan people to prepare for a long road. Democracy will be the foundation of our victory,&quot; Puigdemont said.

The Spanish government has said Puigdemont was welcome to take his chances and stand in the December 21 election, called by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy as a way to resolve the stand-off.

The political crisis, Spain&#39;s gravest in the four decades since the return of democracy in the late 1970s, was triggered by an independence referendum in Catalonia on October 1.

Though it was declared illegal by Spanish courts and less than half Catalonia&#39;s eligible voters took part, the pro-secessionist regional government said the vote gave it a mandate for independence.

European nations including Britain, Germany and France have backed Rajoy and rejected an independent Catalan state, although some have called for dialogue between the opposing sides.

Catalonia's ousted leader Carles Puigdemont said on Tuesday he accepted the snap election called by Spain's central government after Madrid took control of the region to block its push for independence.

Catalonia's ousted leader Carles Puigdemont said on Tuesday he accepted the snap election called by Spain's central government after Madrid took control of the region to block its push for independence. Puigdemont, speaking at a news conference in Brussels, also said he was not seeking asylum in Belgium after Spain's state prosecutor recommended charges for rebellion and sedition be brought against him. He would return to Catalonia when given "guarantees" by the Spanish government, he said. (Also Read: Spain court suspends Catalan independence declaration) Puigdemont's announcement that he would accept the regional election on December 21 confirmed that the Madrid government had gained the upper hand in the protracted struggle over Catalonia, for now at least. Resistance to Madrid's imposition of direct control on Catalonia failed to materialise at the start of the week and the secessionist leadership is in disarray. Spain's Constitutional Court on Tuesday blocked the unilateral declaration of independence made by the regional parliament on Friday, a move that gained no traction and led to its dismissal less than an hour after it was made. "I ask the Catalan people to prepare for a long road. Democracy will be the foundation of our victory," Puigdemont said. The Spanish government has said Puigdemont was welcome to take his chances and stand in the December 21 election, called by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy as a way to resolve the stand-off. The political crisis, Spain's gravest in the four decades since the return of democracy in the late 1970s, was triggered by an independence referendum in Catalonia on October 1. Though it was declared illegal by Spanish courts and less than half Catalonia's eligible voters took part, the pro-secessionist regional government said the vote gave it a mandate for independence. European nations including Britain, Germany and France have backed Rajoy and rejected an independent Catalan state, although some have called for dialogue between the opposing sides.

Ousted Catalan leader Puigdemont accepts new election, says 'long road' to independence

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