Spain election ends in stalemate between right and left

Opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo's conservative Partido Popular (PP) has narrowly won Spain's early parliamentary elections. The PP won 136 seats on Sunday, 47 more than in the previous election. Prime minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialists finished in second place, with 122 seats.

But the conservatives' victory could be bittersweet. Without an absolute majority of 176 seats, they will have to rely on partnerships with other parties. Even a coalition with the far-right Vox will not suffice, as Vox itself underperformed and won only 33 seats.

Difficult negotiations ahead

The Socialists will also not get an absolute majority by collaborating with the radical-left Sumar, which won 31 seats. Experts are warning that forming a new government will be difficult and that months of negotiations could follow. This was also the case in Spain after the 2015 and 2019 parliamentary elections.

Nevertheless, Feijoo has announced he will attempt to form a coalition. "As the candidate of the party that brought in the most votes, I think my job is to try to form a government," he said in a speech after the results were announced.

The PP will start negotiations on 17 August, after Feijoo receives an invitation from the ​ King Felipe VI. If no majority can be found, a new election must be held.

^{The leader of the conservative Partido Popular, Alberto Nunez Feijoo © OSCAR DEL POZO / AFP}