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Mariano Rajoy fails to win Spanish parliament's support

Spanish parliament session
Spanish parliament session
MADRID, Aug 31 (KUNA) -- Mariano Rajoy, outgoing Spanish Prime Minister, failed on Wednesday to win the parliament's support to serve for a second term.
The leader of the People's Party failed to win the needed 176 votes out of 350-seat parliament at the end of a marathon 11-hour session, but instead fell short by six MPs.
The Spanish constitution stipulates another vote in a second session to be held after 48 hours, which means the following Friday. Rajoy will need a simple majority to form a new government, but even this might be hard to obtain.
Although political parties realize that holding a third election will have devastating impacts on Spain, they stuck to their positions thus blocking Rajoy's nomination. This will automatically dissolve the parliament and holding elections on December 25.
Surveys have shown the public dismay about the political situation in the country, which may force them to boycott the upcoming elections. (end) hnd.bs