Summary of the day
Although Alberto Núñez Feijóo’s People’s party finished first in Spain’s July snap general election, it failed to win enough votes to form a government, taking 137 seats in Spain’s 350-seat congress.
Today, Feijóo officially failed to garner sufficient votes to become the country’s next prime minister. MPs voted by a margin of 172 in favour of his bid and 177 against, with one null vote.
Junts MP Eduard Pujol accidentally voted in favour of Feijóo.
Ahead of the vote, Feijóo told MPs that “there is no possibility of triumph for any candidate – even if they become prime minister – because lies and deception bring no possible success.”
During the debate, socialist MP Óscar Puente told Feijóo he has had a month to change the focus of Spanish politics – “but you’ve squandered it”.
Marta Lois, spokesperson for the left-wing Sumar alliance, accused Feijóo of disrespecting congress and wasting everyone’s time.
Far-right Vox party leader Santiago Abascal said that “an amnesty is an assault – an attack on the Spanish people.”
“Now that this spectacle is over, it is time to work harder for the progressive government Spain deserves,” Sumar’s Yolanda Díaz wrote on social media following the vote.
Hoy termina la investidura fracasada del señor Feijóo.
— Yolanda Díaz (@Yolanda_Diaz_) September 29, 2023
Ahora que ha acabado este espectáculo, toca trabajar con más fuerza por el gobierno progresista que merece España. pic.twitter.com/lJuejjM9mr
