New Spanish prime minister sworn in

Ousted Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy and his successor

Published on 02/06/2018 - 07:45•Updated 12:48

Pedro Sanchez takes over after winning a vote of no confidence in Mariano Rajoy triggered by a corruption scandal involving the PP

Socialist party leader Pedro Sanchez has been sworn in by King Felipe as Spain's new prime minister on Saturday after successfully bringing a no-confidence motion against Mariano Rajoy on Friday.

The vote was triggered by a corruption scandal involving Rajoy's Partido Popular.

There were scenes of jubilation in the Spanish parliament but Spain's political future looks uncertain.

The Socialist Party only holds 84 seats in the Congress of Deputies so Sanchez will have to rely on securing the support of allies such as left-wing Podemos in order to enact legislation.

The King has been informed of the appointment of the new prime minister and Sanchez is expected to name a cabinet early next week. Then it could be a question of just how long the government can last in a divided parliament.

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