Europe

Spanish Prime Minister calls surprise election after socialist loss

Pedro Sanchez says he will dissolve parliament, after yesterday’s results paved the way for a conservative return to power

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez: “I take personal responsibility for the results and I believe it’s necessary to respond and submit our democratic mandate to the popular will.” Picture: Getty

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he will dissolve parliament and call a snap election for July 23 after his Socialist party suffered heavy losses in regional and local elections on Sunday.

Alberto Nunez Feijoo’s conservative People’s Party, joined in some places by the far-right Vox, was set to control eight of the 12 regions up for grabs in the weekend ballot, including the bellwethers Madrid and Valencia. Historically, the party that comes on top ...