Today: 5 August 2025
23 August 2023
2 mins read

Spanish King nominates Peoples’ Party leader to form govt

Feijoo said he had the support of Vox, Coalicion Canaria and the UPN from Navarre…reports Asian Lite News

The Spanish King Felipe has nominated the right-wing Peoples’ Party (PP) leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo as the candidate to try and form a government, following consultation with the main party leaders.

King Felipe made the decision after meeting earlier on Tuesday with both Feijoo and acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who is also the Socialist Party (PSOE) leader, Xinhua news agency reported.

This is the second day of consultations between the King and main party leaders after the general election on July 23 failed to produce a candidate to form a new government.

The Spanish Constitution merely states that the Monarch has to name a candidate to try and win an investiture vote in Congress, but it does not specify whether this should be the leader of the party that has won the most votes, or the party leader who can gather the most parliamentary support.

“I will get in contact with the candidate to be Prime Minister to learn their opinion over the best opportunity to carry out the investiture debate and take a decision,” Congress Speaker Francina Armengol told the press on Tuesday evening.

In the wake of the King’s decision, Feijoo posted on social media: “I am grateful to His Majesty the King for his decision to name me as candidate to be Prime Minister. We will give a voice to the over 11 million citizens who want change, stability and moderation with a government that defends the equality of all Spaniards.”

Earlier on Tuesday, both Sanchez and Feijoo said they were willing to try and form a government, with Sanchez highlighting the progressive majority that saw Armengol elected as the Congress Speaker last week.

“There is no alternative other than to reform a progressive government to consolidate the advances of the previous years. Those who questioned the previous government have not received either the votes or the seats to carry out their proposals,” said Sanchez. However, he added that he would respect any decision made by the King.

Meanwhile, Feijoo said he had the support of Vox, Coalicion Canaria and the UPN from Navarre.

The PP leader will have two chances to become Prime Minister when the investiture vote is held. In the first vote he needs to win an overall majority of 176 seats in Congress. Otherwise, a simple majority (i.e. more votes in favor than against) would suffice in a second vote 48 hours later.

If he loses both votes, Sanchez would then have the chance to form a government, but if nobody is able to win the necessary support within two months, Congress would be dissolved and a new general election called 47 days later.

ALSO READ-Spain’s historic quarterfinals in Women’s World Cup

Previous Story

Italy hit by third major heatwave this summer

Next Story

BRICS expansion spurs many complex issues

Latest from -Top News

US Mulls Terror Tag for Muslim Brotherhood

The US’ plan to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group comes after a bipartisan bill was introduced by Republican Congressman…reports Asian Lite News The US is once again edging closer

Hamas Sets Terms For Disarmament

HAMAS: ‘The resistance and its weapons will not be abandoned until our full national rights are restored, foremost among which is the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state’ Hamas affirmed

Statehood For Palestine

Analysts see the general move as a deliberate push to revive a stagnant peace process long controlled by Israel, Hamas and the United States, all of whom, they say, have shown little

IBPC Dubai charts new growth path

Former Tata Motors CEO Ravi Kant headlines exclusive event as Indian business council sets course for transformation….reports Asian Lite News The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai has signalled a significant

Miles in the Malls!

Dubai Mallathon kicks off today – The emirate’s biggest malls transform into indoor fitness arenas, inviting residents to walk, run, and win — all while staying cool, healthy, and community-connected….reports Asian Lite
Go toTop

Don't Miss

King presented with first banknotes with his portraits

Under the new portrait design launched last year, the King’s

‘False alarm’ results in King and Queen being pulled away

The King and Queen travelled to Jersey on Monday, before