Spanish opinion poll reveals unpopular second election as King Felipe joins the fray

IN THE most recent of Metroscopia´s polls, 61 per cent of participants commenting on Spain´s political deadlock have voted against a return to the ballot box, preferring cross-party alliances to another day of voting. 

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was said to be considering a second General Election to avoid a left-wing “coalition of losers,” but recent reports suggest that the cost of such an event would run to more than €130 million. 

The same Metroscopia poll reveals that 70 per cent of citizens are happy to let their parties reach a deal for government, rather than be consulted on the matter themselves. Interestingly, 58 per cent of those surveyed supported the idea of a minority government led by the party securing the most votes, which would work with other parties to “negotiate all its decisions” with them.

Unsurprisingly, Podemos supporters are also said to be in favor of a fresh election, however latest figures suggest the expensive rerun would achieve little, with the Popular Party (PP) still failing to secure enough votes to ensure an absolute majority.

In the event of a second election not being held, Prime Minister Rajoy has expressed commitment to a three-party alliance of his own Popular Party (PP), the PSOE (Spanish Socialist Workers Party) and Ciudadanos (Citizens), a coalition that would hold 253 seats in Congress. 40 per cent of those surveyed in the recent poll supported this alliance, while 39 per cent would prefer to see the socialists working with Podemos, but both are very unlikely options. 

In the week commencing January 18, the nation´s constitutional monarch, King Felipe, is set to meet with leaders from all parties in a bid to break through the current stalemate. In theory he should only advise but under certain circumstances if a deadlock occurs, he may nominate a party or parties to form a government.

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