Europe

Spain's Socialists vow to sink PM's attempt to form govt

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Spain's acting Prime Minister and Popular Party leader Mariano Rajoy addresses lawmakers during the first of the two day investiture debate at the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016. Rajoy is to start a two-day parliamentary debate later Tuesday ahead of a vote on his bid to form a minority government and end an eight-month political impasse, but the signs are he won't be successful. If he fails, he has another chance Friday when he only needs more votes in favor than against, but nothing indicates he can win that either. The yellow lights come from the glare of a metal bar. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) (The Associated Press)

Spain's acting Prime Minister and Popular Party leader Mariano Rajoy looks at his watch at the end of the first of the two-day investiture debate at the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016. Rajoy started a two-day parliamentary debate later Tuesday ahead of a vote on his bid to form a minority government and end an eight-month political impasse, but the signs are he won't be successful. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) (The Associated Press)

Spain's acting Prime Minister and Popular Party leader Mariano Rajoy addresses lawmakers during the first of the two-day investiture debate at the Spanish parliament in Madrid, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016. Rajoy started a two-day parliamentary debate later Tuesday ahead of a vote on his bid to form a minority government and end an eight-month political impasse, but the signs are he won't be successful. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco) (The Associated Press)

Spain's opposition Socialist party leader Pedro Sanchez is vowing that his group will vote against conservative acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's candidacy to form a government — a move that could torpedo chances of breaking Spain's political deadlock anytime soon.

In a first investiture vote Wednesday, Rajoy needs an absolute majority in the 350-seat Parliament. He currently stands six votes short, having only his party's 137 lawmakers and the backing of 33 others.

If Rajoy loses Wednesday, he has a second chance Friday when he only needs more votes in favor than against. Still all signs indicate he won't pass that test either.

If no government is in place in two months' time, Spain may have to hold its third election in a year.