Mariano Rajoy has become the first prime minister in Spain’s democratic history to be ousted by parliament, losing a vote of no confidence that will see him replaced the Socialist opposition leader Pedro Sánchez.
A slim majority of 180 lawmakers in the 350 seat parliament on Friday chose to remove the leader from power, following a corruption scandal where former senior officials in his Popular party were found guilty of operating a slush fund.
In a brief final speech to parliament, a composed-looking Mr Rajoy bade farewell to the country after seven years in power: “It has been an honour to leave Spain better than I found it. Thank you to all Spaniards and good luck.”