Socialists seek to oust Spanish government after corruption conviction

Ciutadans set new election as pre-condition for both major parties

Spanish president Mariano Rajoy (left) and Socialists leader Pedro Sánchez (by PP)
Spanish president Mariano Rajoy (left) and Socialists leader Pedro Sánchez (by PP) / ACN

ACN | Madrid

May 25, 2018 11:37 AM

The Spanish Socialists (PSOE) have tabled a motion of no-confidence against Mariano Rajoy’s government a day after his party was convicted in a major corruption scandal. The move could deal a fatal blow to Rajoy and his executive, in power since 2011.

PSOE, Spain’s main opposition party, acknowledges that finding the support needed to oust Rajoy's People's Party (PP) will be no easy task. In order to succeed, the motion requires the backing of Spain’s third and fourth largest parties, Podemos and Ciutadans—an unlikely combination, as each sees the other as a political nemesis; moreover, Ciutadans is Rajoy’s main ally.

Ciutadans said they will only back the Socialists' motion if a new election is immediately called. The very same condition was set for supporting Rajoy. Currently soaring in the polls, Ciutadans could surpass both PP and PSOE in a new election. Although initially rejecting Ciutadans' demands, Sánchez subsequently opened the door to calling fresh elections.