Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez unexpectedly called a snap national election and his main rival spelled out the aim of becoming the country’s next leader after left-wing parties were routed in a regional ballot. | Reuters
The announcement – the biggest gamble in the career of a politician with a well-established reputation as a risk-taker – wrongfooted most of Sanchez’s government and even some members of his inner circle.
Sunday’s results indicate the PP and the far-right Vox could unseat Sanchez’s Socialist Workers’ Party if they replicated that performance at national level. Vox leader Santiago Abascal said his party was open “creating an alternative” to Sanchez by forming national and regional governing coalitions with the PP.Sanchez had previously said the national election would be in December, and it is rare for a Spanish government to call a snap ballot after a poor regional election – especially when much of the country will be on holiday.
Sources close to the prime minister said almost no one within the government knew of his decision beforehand.