In Spain the bipolarity between left and right is over. Prime Minister Rajoy's PP emerges as the first party from yesterday's general elections, gaining 29% and 123 seats but losing 65. However, Rajoy's victory is halved because the leader of the Popolari does not have the numbers to form the new government: 176 votes are needed in Parliament and he is far behind. He will have to seek alliances and form a coalition government, but with whom?
In second place in yesterday's elections is the PSOE which collects 22% and 90 seats. In third place Podemos (the anti-caste force of the radical left) which gathers 20% and 69 parliamentarians. On the other hand, the centrist strength of Ciudadanos is disappointing, taking 14% and only 40 seats.
"I will try to form a stable government," commented outgoing premier Rajoy, but it won't be easy. The simplest alliance would be between the PP and Ciudadanos but there aren't enough numbers. Inevitably Rajoy will have to open complex negotiations with the socialists in view of a coalition government which, if born, promises to be very complicated.
Alternatively, the socialists could try to set up a coalition government with Podemos and Ciudadanos: the numbers would be there to make up a majority but internal tensions would be guaranteed.
The economic recovery (Spanish GDP is at 3,1%) was not enough for Rajoy to clearly win the elections and now Spain risks heading towards a political season of high turbulence and strong instability.
The new government will not be born before February.
