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Spain's socialists continue efforts to form new, stable gov't

By Hanadi Watfa

MADRID, Dec 12 (KUNA) -- After finalizing the parliament formation, Spain's socialist blocs will be working in the 14th legislative term to establish a new government that would withstand upcoming challenges.
Social leader Pedro Sanchez aims to establish a new government prior to the end of the year holidays with the hopes that this cabinet will finish its four years-term in office.
Since 2015, Spain was gripped by political instability as due of left and right wings quarrel.
On the parliamentary level, since socialist Meritxell Batet Lamana is heading the Congress of Deputies as Speaker, chances of a socialist-pleasing government is high especially with Lamana sending a name list to Felipe VI for consultation.
According to a Reuters piece on Wednesday, Sanchez said that he had accepted a mandate from the King to try and form a government, and would contact other parties starting next week to drum up support amid a deeply fragmented parliament.
Sanchez efforts will focus on creating a coalitions with left leaning parties as well as, shockingly, separatists Catalonian entities, steering controversy among rightwing parties, which deemed the policy as a betrayal of Spain through siding with the so-called enemy.
Sanchez is not looking for a government that would easily crumble at the slightest challenge; therefore, he is willing to extend his hand to all political blocs regardless of affiliation to establish a stable cabinet.
The Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) won Spain's last parliamentary elections in November.
Despite, occupying 120 seats in the 350-member Congress of Deputies, after winning 28 percent of the votes, the party required 176 seats in order to attain a majority.
The Socialists, led by the outgoing Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, lost three seats since the previous April election, according to Spanish Interior Ministry data.
The conservative Mini Party won 87 deputies in the House of Representatives with 20.8 percent of the vote (five million votes), continuing to be the second largest force in the Spanish House of Representatives, up from 66 in the elections last April.
The opposition conservative Popular Party follow closely in second place with 87 seats gaining 21 more seats since April.
The far-right Vox party, made other significant gains in third, who more than doubled the number of their seats from 24 to 52 in today's elections. (end) hnd.sd.gta