October 25, 2016•Update: October 26, 2016
By Alyssa McMurtry
MADRID
Spain moved a step closer to ending 10 months of political stagnation Tuesday when acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy accepted the king’s invitation to attempt to form a government.
It was the second time Rajoy had accepted King Felipe’s mandate -- contained in an official document bearing his signature -- but this time he is likely to succeed.
Last Sunday, the main opposition Socialist party switched its previously uncooperative stance to make way for a Rajoy administration -- moving towards ending political deadlock and avoiding a third round of voting since last December’s inconclusive general election.
Parliament will likely be asked to vote to form a government on Thursday and Rajoy is expected to be able to assemble a minority government in a second-round of voting among lawmakers on Saturday, thanks to the Socialists agreement to abstain from the vote rather than oppose it.
“I’m perfectly aware of the difficulties of governing in minority,” Rajoy said at a televised news conference. “I’d rather have a majority… but I know it won’t be like this, so I promise that if I’m sworn in I’ll work from day one to make sure this government is capable, stable and lasting. I’m aware that this will only be possible with dialogue and agreements.”
