Close Competition in Spanish Elections; Conservatives Lose Majority

The results of the parliamentary elections in Spain indicate that the ruling conservative party led by Mariano Rajoy has lost its majority in parliament. At the same time, leftist parties have also failed to gain a majority. The right-wing People's Party still holds the highest percentage of votes, but the current result is considered the worst electoral outcome for the party, which has secured 122 seats. Reports suggest that Spanish citizens are dissatisfied with the economic situation, rising unemployment, and issues such as the exposure of corruption cases involving senior party members. Rajoy, the Prime Minister of Spain, has stated among his supporters that 'we are entering a period that will not be easy.' Meanwhile, the Podemos party, which opposes austerity measures, is another group that has entered parliament and could play a key role in power-sharing and coalition formation. The Socialist Party, with 22% of the votes, is slightly ahead of Podemos in second place. If the People's Party and the Citizens' Party, led by Albert Rivera, which is in fourth place, form a coalition, they will still lack at least 13 seats to create a majority government. Reports indicate that the current results end years of close two-party competition and power shifts between the 'People' and 'Socialist' parties. Reuters states that the unprecedented result achieved by Podemos could shift the balance of power in parliament towards leftist parties. However, it is unclear whether the five left-leaning parties that have entered parliament will be able to form a coalition. They collectively hold 172 seats, while at least 176 seats are needed to create a majority government.