Spain's PM likely to lose in no-confidence motion

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Europe

00:45

The Basque Nationalist Party will vote against Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence motion, Cadena Ser radio and La Sexta television said on Thursday, in a move that would almost certainly force him from office.

Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez needs an absolute majority of 176 votes to become Spain's new Prime Minister, and information from various parties suggested he had now secured 180.

Rajoy's government is facing a no-confidence vote tabled by the opposition Socialists following a corruption scandal involving the premier's ruling Popular Party.

Spain's Socialist (PSOE) leader Pedro Sanchez winks after delivering a speech during a motion of no confidence debate at Parliament in Madrid, Spain, May 31, 2018. /Reuters Photo

Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez demanded that Rajoy step down, arguing he had lost credibility after last week's exposure of a vast system of bribes given to former PP officials in exchange for lucrative public contracts.

Rajoy's departure would trigger a second political crisis in southern Europe, further unnerving financial markets already wrongfooted by failed attempts to form a government in Italy three months after a national election.

It was not clear if Rajoy could resign before the vote takes place on Friday to avoid the humiliation of becoming the first Spanish Prime Minister to lose a no-confidence vote.

If the vote did go ahead and Rajoy lost it, then Sanchez would immediately become Prime Minister.

Source(s): AFP ,Reuters