Mariano Rajoy’s six-year reign as prime minister of Spain appeared to be almost at an end yesterday after the opposition Socialist party secured enough support to force him out with a vote of no-confidence.
At a parliamentary debate a number of smaller opposition parties said they would support the Socialists’ motion to remove Mr Rajoy, which is to go to a vote today. Barring last-minute surprises, it would give Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez enough votes for a narrow majority in the 350-seat parliament.
Supporters of Mr Rajoy within his Popular party insisted the prime minister would not resign but it remained possible yesterday he could change his mind before facing a vote.