With the new year just begun, Spain is facing an unprecedented political situation. “The most likely scenario right now, with a much higher probability rate than any other, is that we are headed towards a new general election,” said one high-ranking official from the Popular Party (PP), which continues to hold the reins of power following an inconclusive election on December 20. Acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who has so far failed to secure enough support to get himself reinstated to a second term in office, has ordered his ministers to keep holding meetings and managing day-to-day affairs. The point is to avoid conveying the sense that the Spanish executive is on hold.
PSOE leader Pedro Sánchez is traveling to Lisbon to find out how the Portuguese Socialists, who were left in a similar situation, managed to reach a governing deal
In the meantime, the conservative party, which won 123 seats on December 20, is working hard to reach a last-minute deal with its traditional rival, the Socialist Party (PSOE), that would allow Rajoy to form a minority government with support from the 90 Socialist deputies. The PP is trying to convince the PSOE that this is preferable to another election at a time when anti-austerity party Podemos is riding a new wave of popularity after securing 69 seats on December 20.
Full Article: 2015 elections in Spain: Rajoy preparing government and Popular Party for fresh elections | In English | EL PAÍS.