Spain goes to the polls in an election expected to exacerbate European frustration with traditional mainstream politics.
ADVERTISEMENTSpain goes to the polls in an election expected to exacerbate European frustration with traditional mainstream politics.
December’s election failed to produce a functioning government and acting prime minister and leader of the Conservative People’s Party, Mariano Rajoy, fears a battering by the the new school of fringe politics.
The same goes for the Socialist Party and leader Pedro Sánchez, it is unclear if his party will go into a new style coalition with the anti-austerity Podemos movement led by Pablo Iglesias.
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ReutersUS</a>: Far left set to become a political force in Spain's election <a href="https://t.co/wB402Gizun">https://t.co/wB402Gizun</a> <a href="https://t.co/W6iJGpeplG">pic.twitter.com/W6iJGpeplG</a>”</p>— Mike Walker (New_Narrative) June 25, 2016
The Ciudadano Party, which occupies the centre with leader Albert Rivera are maintaining a strong presence in fourth place and could play a key coalition role .
As unemployment hits 20 percent further frustrating deadlock is unwelcome.
In Madrid the people want action: “I hope that, apart from the final result, they get an agreement soon, and don’t waste time playing the blame game,” said one voter.
Another mentioned the Brexit vote: “For me a good result would be that there’s a change, an effective change, and a ‘Yes’ for change. But a change far from extreme positions, and far from populist options, such as those that we have just seen in the United Kingdom, which have generated a lot of uncertainty. Change is necessary but sensible change.”
Spain's party leaders clash in pre-election debate https://t.co/CUYpYWAziU#debate13J#debatepresidencial2016pic.twitter.com/CO3kPHdCMB
— The Local Spain (@TheLocalSpain) June 14, 2016
Polls suggest Sunday’s vote will not deliver a result to heal Spain’s political divisions or a government strong enough to tackle the country’s deep rooted problems.