“Podemos,
the Spanish anti-austerity party, will be a prominent force in
Andalusia’s regional parliament after it won 15 seats in the
party’s first election since its ally Syriza triumphed in Greece.
The Socialists, who have held power in Andalusia for more than three
decades, will continue to govern the region. Lead by Susana Díaz,
they won 35% percent of the vote, earning them 47 seats, shy of an
outright majority.”
“The
People’s party came in second with 27% of the vote, or 33 seats,
but the party of prime minister Mariano Rajoy was the biggest loser
on the day as the result was a steep drop from the 50 seats it won in
the 2012 elections. The Andalusian election generated considerable
interest far outside the region’s boundaries. Spain this year will
see municipal, regional and general elections across the country and
many saw the Andalusian race as a crucial window into electoral
sentiment.”
“Podemos’s
supporters had previously downplayed their chances in Andalusia,
pointing to voters’ unwavering support of the regional Socialist
party. But in one corner of Spain, Podemos exceeded all expectations:
Cádiz. Home to Rodríguez and where the unemployment rate exceeds
that of Greece, Podemos placed first in this city, earning 29% of the
vote.”
“Podemos’s
15 seats could put them in a prime position of influence over the
Socialists, who came eight seats short of a majority. With the
Socialists on the hunt for coalition partners, be it formal or on an
ad-hoc basis, Podemos now faces a unique dilemma. Any alliance with
the Socialists could dilute Podemos’s message of change, while an
outright refusal to forge alliances could destabilise the regional
parliament and lend credibility to opposition claims that a vote for
Podemos is a vote for instability.”
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