Spain goes to the polls in an election expected to exacerbate European frustration with traditional mainstream politics.
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Spain 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 #debatepresidencial2016 pic.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.