Summary of the day
Pedro Sánchez has clinched a second term as Spain’s prime minister after winning an ill-tempered investiture vote that was dominated by his decision to secure the support of Catalan separatists with a controversial amnesty.
179 MPs voted in favour and 171 against, after a lengthy debate.
The socialist politician thanked everyone who had supported him, including in Galician, Catalan, Basque and Spanish.
Several European leaders, including German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, congratulated Sánchez.
The conservative People’s party (PP)‘s Alberto Núñez Feijóo said he “will lead the opposition, defending equality between all Spaniards and in the face of the huge assault on the rule of law,” adding: “History will grant [Sánchez] no amnesty.”
Spain’s socialist party said “democracy will always prevail in the face of noise and darkness, and today it has been demonstrated again.”
Vox’s Pepa Millán said “we ask for coordination with the PP against the coup majority.”
Podemos leader Ione Belarra said it remains to be seen whether Sánchez would include Podemos in his new government or opt to form an administration in which “only he is in charge”.
Hardline separatist Junts per Catalunya (Together for Catalonia) party spokesperson Miriam Nogueras warned Sánchez that her party’s support for his minority coalition government remained conditional. The party voted in favour of Sánchez as prime minister.
Updated
In a sign of tensions to come, Podemos leader Ione Belarra said that while “progressive people are breathing a sigh of relief” it remains to be seen whether Pedro Sánchez would include Podemos in his new government or opt to form an administration in which “only he is in charge”.
Hoy la gente progresista respira aliviada y nosotras con ella. Hemos frenado la posibilidad de un gobierno PPVOX. Podemos cumple con el mandato de las urnas del 23J. La pregunta ahora es si se conformará un gobierno de transformación con Podemos uno en el que sólo mande Sánchez.
— Ione Belarra (@ionebelarra) November 16, 2023
