The political parties in Spain seemed unwilling to break the deadlock one month after the general elections had taken place. Then there was a dramatic emergence from the doldrums last Friday, when Podemos made a surprise call for a left-wing coalition headed by the Socialists.
Spain will go to the polls on Sunday and expectations have certainly been met for a more interesting race to the finishing point than in 2011. New kids on the block, centre-right Ciudadanos and anti-austerity Podemos, have put an end to the over 40-year two-party dominance of the Popular Party (PP) and the Socialists. The new government could implement more reforms with expected positive economic impact, but the downturn in markets such as Latin America is likely to weigh more on Spain’s stock market.
Last night, the leaders of the Ciudadanos and Podemos emerging parties joined forces to deliver a scathing bashing to the Socialist candidate during the debate held as a foretaste of the Spanish General Elections on December 20th. Spanish Prime Minister Rajoy judiciously declined the invitation to assist at the expected slaughtering.
Polls predict no party will command a comfortable majority in Spain after the generel elections in December. It is the first time this has happened in the new era of democracy. No one knows for sure what the plausible consequences might be, but you can bet they will cause undue damage to the economy.
MADRID | May 25, 2015 | By Fernando G. Urbaneja | The conservative Popular Party has its worst election in two decades, losing a big chunk of power in cities and regions on Sunday. Corruption scandals and high unemployment resulting from the economic crisis severely punished traditional parties, which now need to form coalitions with emerging groups Ciudadanos and Podemos.
MADRID | May 19, 2015 | By Francisco López | Next Sunday local and regional elections are seen as the first big test before the national vote at the end of the year. Only a few months ago the triumph of Syriza in Greece and the dazzling rise of Podemos caused concern for international investors who bet on Spain. But things have changed.
MADRID | March 24, 2015 | By Fernando G. Urbaneja | The Andalusia election results have offered some solace to the ruling socialist party, but the arrival of upstarts Podemos and Ciudadanos as political forces delivers a strong message to Spain’s traditional parties.
MADRID | March 23, 2015 | By Sean Duffy | Unemployment levels in the region are the highest in Spain. The winning socialist party has been involved in serious corruption cases, yet it managed to kick off a year of crucial elections in the country by holding on to the territory they have governed for 35 years.
MADRDD | Sean Duffy | Markets are likely to remain volatile in the week ahead as investors await indication on Greek standoff.
MADRID | By JP Marín Arrese | Podemos, the brand-new radical movement, is capitalizing on corruption scandals and crisis side-effects to wreak havoc on traditional parties. The socialists are rapidly losing support while the former communists face utter implosion. Even the centre-right Partido Popular is losing its grip as Podemos promises to lure many of its disenchanted voters. Syriza’s victory is bolstering their chances of snatching a substantial representation in the upcoming regional and local poll and will likely hold a key position for the ensuing power-sharing. Much will depend on how wisely they use their strength to secure their ultimate goal of overhauling the current bi-partisan control in the general election due to take place at the end of the year.