2015–2016 Spanish government formation

Government formation process in Spain following the 2015 general election January 2022 Mariano Rajoy es investido presidente del Gobierno (2016-10-29) (3).jpg 300px Mariano Rajoy being congratulated by PSOE spokesperson Antonio Hernando after his successful investiture as prime minister on 29 October 2016 Mariano Rajoy and Antonio Hernando shaking hands in the Congress of Deputies 21 December 2015 – 29 October 2016(2015 12 21 2016 10 29) Spain Government formation Hung parliaments following the 2015 and 2016 general elections PP PSOE Podemos C's ERC CDC/PDeCAT PNV Compromís IU EH Bildu UPN CCa FAC NCa December 2015 – April 2016:Signing of PSOE agreements with C's and CCa Pedro Sánchez's failed investiture Inconclusiveness of negotiations leading to fresh election June–October 2016:Signing of PP agreements with C's and CCa Mariano Rajoy's failed investiture on 2 September PSOE crisis leading to Sánchez's ouster and the party voting to allow a PP minority government Rajoy's successful investiture on 29 October Second Rajoy government formed After the Spanish general election of 20 December 2015 failed to deliver an overall majority for any political party, extensive negotiations ensued to form a government in the country. As a result, the previous People's Party (PP) cabinet headed by Mariano Rajoy was forced to remain in a caretaker capacity for 314 days until the next government could be sworn in. After a series of inconclusive inter-party negotiations, leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) Pedro Sánchez tried and failed to pass an investiture vote on 2–4 March. Subsequently, a political impasse set in as King Felipe VI could not find a new candidate to nominate with sufficient parliamentary support. As a result, a snap election was held on 26 June. The second election also proved inconclusive, and a failed investiture attempt by Rajoy on 31 August raised the prospect of a third election. On 1 October, a party rebellion resulted in Sánchez being ousted as leader of the PSOE and the latter voting to allow the formation of a PP minority government. This materialized on 29 October when the PSOE abstained in Rajoy's second investiture bid, thus ending the political deadlock. Legal provisions The Spanish Constitution of 1978 outlined the procedure for government formation, which started with the monarch summoning representatives of the various political groups in the Congress of Deputies to a round of talks or consultations, after which a candidate was to be nominated through the President of the Congress to attempt investiture as prime minister.https://app.congreso.es/consti/constitucion/indice/sinopsis/sinopsis.jsp?art=99&tipo=2 Constitución española. Título IV. Del Gobierno y de la Administración. Sinopsis artículo 99 es Congress of Deputies 18 December 2025 1. After renewal of the Congress of Deputies, and in other cases provided under the Constitution, the King , after consultation with the representatives appointed by the political groups with Parliamentary representation, and through the Speaker of Congress, shall nominate a candidate for President of the Government.2. The candidate nominate in accordance with the provisions of the foregoing paragraph shall submit to the Congress of Deputies the political programme of the Government that he intends to form and shall seek the confidence of the Houses.3. If the Congress of Deputies, by vote of the absolute majority of its members, invests said candidate with its confidence, the King shall appoint him President. If an absolute majority is not obtained, the same proposal shall be submitted for a new vote forty-eight hours after the previous vote, and it shall be considered that confidence has been secured if it passes by a simple majority.4. If, after this vote, confidence for the investiture has not been obtained, successive proposals shall be voted upon in the manner provided in the foregoing paragraphs.5. If within two months after the first vote for investiture no candidate has obtained the confidence of Congress, the King shall dissolve Congress and call new elections, following endorsement by the Speaker of Congress. Article 99 of the Spanish Constitution.https://www.boe.es/buscar/pdf/1978/BOE-A-1978-40001-consolidado.pdf The Spanish Constitution Official State Gazette 18 December 2025 For a nominated candidate to be granted confidence, he or she required to secure the support of an absolute majority in the Congress, or of a plurality in a subsequent vote held 48 hours later. If any of such ballots was successful, the monarch would appoint the elected candidate as prime minister. Otherwise, a two-month period would begin in which new investiture proposals could be attempted under the aforementioned procedure, with parliament being automatically dissolved and a snap election held if no candidate was successful in securing the confidence of parliament. The procedure for investiture processes was regulated within Articles 170 to 172 of the Standing Orders of the Congress of Deputies, which provided for the investiture debate starting with the nominated candidate explaining their political programme without any time limitations. Subsequently, spokespeople from the different parliamentary groups in Congress were allowed to speak for thirty minutes, with an opportunity to reply or rectify themselves for ten minutes. The nominated candidate was allowed to take the floor and speak at any time of his or her request during the debate.https://www.congreso.es/webpublica/ficherosportal/standing_orders_02.pdf Standing Orders of the Congress of Deputies Congress of Deputies 18 December 2025 First formation round (December 2015 – April 2016) Post-2015 election developments Initial positions As the 2015 Spanish general election produced a very fragmented parliament, a multi-party agreement was expected to be required in order for a stable government to be formed. Caretaker prime minister and People's Party (PP) leader Mariano Rajoy said that he would try to form an administration, whereas opposition and Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) leader Pedro Sánchez advocated for a change in government. Two possible coalitions based on the left–right political spectrum, the right-wing (PP with Citizens (C's))—and the left-wing (PSOE with Podemos), were both short of an overall majority—set at 176 seats—by themselves.21 December 2015 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35149983 Spain election: Tough talks ahead after historic result BBC News 2 August 2020 There was speculation around four outcomes: thumb|alt=Seat distribution in the Congress of Deputies following the 20 December 2015 election|Congress of Deputies resulting from the 20 December 2015 general election. A grand coalition of PP and PSOE, an unprecedented phenomenon in Spanish politics but the only feasible two-party deal that would be able to reach an absolute majority, with 213 seats.21 December 2015 https://www.lainformacion.com/espana/el-ibex-y-los-grandes-empresarios-apuestan-por-una-gran-coalicion-pp-psoe_diT78WaUvzMQRWdzgsLIn5/ El Ibex y los grandes empresarios apuestan por una gran coalición PP-PSOE es La Información 2 August 2020 A PSOE, Podemos and C's alliance, comprising 199 seats. A PSOE, Podemos and United Left (IU) coalition—comprising 161 seats—together with smaller regional parties. Parliamentary deadlock lasting for two months from a first failed investiture ballot, leading to a new general election to be held at some point throughout 2016.Cortizo Gonzalo 21 December 2015 https://www.eldiario.es/politica/beneficia-perjudica-escenario-nuevas-elecciones_1_2279741.html A quién beneficia y a quién perjudica el escenario de nuevas elecciones es eldiario.es 2 August 2020 As a result of the arithmetical infeasibility of an alliance with C's, Rajoy intended for reaching out to the PSOE to at least secure their abstention in his investiture, even suggesting giving them out some additional posts in the Congress bureau.Hernández Marisol 21 December 2015 https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/12/21/5677d862ca4741e33a8b4584.html El PP abrirá contactos inmediatos con el PSOE para que no impida investir a Rajoy es El Mundo Madrid 4 August 2020Segovia Carlos 29 December 2015 https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/12/29/568296f6e2704e10798b457a.html Primer ofrecimiento del PP al PSOE: tres puestos en la Mesa del Congreso es El Mundo Madrid 4 August 2020 This possibility was not contemplated by Sánchez, but he and his party avoided making any comments on the formation of an alternative left-wing government that included Podemos and its regional alliances.Sanz Luis Ángel 21 December 2015 https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/12/21/5677e09a268e3ee0718b463f.html El PSOE votará 'no' a la investidura de Rajoy y no contempla la abstención es El Mundo Madrid 4 August 2020 Some within the party—such as president of Castilla–La Mancha Emiliano García-Page—pointed out that, even if the PSOE obtained Podemos's support, it would not muster a majority without that of other parties as well and advocated for the party to remain in opposition.Díez Anabel 27 December 2015 https://elpais.com/politica/2015/12/27/actualidad/1451233136_304492.html "No salen las cuentas para sumar una mayoría", alega un barón del PSOE es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 Podemos leader Pablo Iglesias laid out stiff terms in order to consider starting negotiations with any party, including the protection of rights within the Constitution, electoral reform, the introduction of recall elections and a new territorial agreement that recognized Spain as a plurinational state and allowed for the recognition of a self-determination referendum in Catalonia.Riveiro Aitor 21 December 2015 https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pablo-iglesias-condiciones-acuerdo-revocatorios_1_2280015.html Pablo Iglesias pone condiciones para el acuerdo: blindaje de derechos, reforma electoral, revocatorios y nuevo acuerdo territorial es eldiario.es 2 August 2020 The party's policy secretary, Íñigo Errejón, also expressed their initial refusal to support Sánchez as a prospective candidate for prime minister, suggesting instead to look for "an independent candidate, above parties".Europa Press 22 December 2015 https://www.eldiario.es/politica/errejon-pedro-sanchez-presidente-independiente_1_2279099.html Íñigo Errejón descarta investir a Pedro Sánchez y sugiere un "independiente por encima de partidos" es eldiario.es 2 August 2020Màrmol Iolanda 22 December 2015 https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20151222/podemos-plantea-investir-presidente-independiente-4772886 Podemos plantea investir a un presidente independiente es El Periódico de Catalunya Barcelona 4 August 2020 C's leader Albert Rivera had promised during the campaign that he would not be actively supporting either a PP or a PSOE-led government, but that his party could consider an abstention to allow the formation of a minority PP cabinet and that it would oppose any alliance in which Podemos was involved.EFE 16 December 2015 https://www.levante-emv.com/elecciones/2015/12/16/rivera-asegura-apoyara-pp-psoe/1355509.html Rivera asegura que no apoyará ni a PP ni a PSOE es Levante-EMV Santander 3 August 2020EFE 18 December 2015 https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/elecciones2016/2015/12/18/rivera-plantea-abstenerse-frenar-podemos-gobierne-pp/00031450462148915536357.htm Rivera plantea ahora abstenerse para frenar a Podemos y que gobierne el PP es La Voz de Galicia 3 August 2020E. B. 20 December 2015 https://www.elboletin.com/nacional/127398/ciudadanos-cuarto-lugar-elecciones-abstencion.html Ciudadanos se conforma con el cuarto lugar es El Boletín 2 August 2020 PSOE's stance As a consequence of the election, the PSOE was placed in a kingmaker position. Several regional PSOE leaders rallied around Andalusian president Susana Díaz and warned Sánchez against any agreement with Podemos, seeing the conditions put forward by Pablo Iglesias in the election aftermath as "unaffordable". Some regional premiers from the party—such as García-Page, Valencian president Ximo Puig, Asturias's Javier Fernández or Extremadura's Guillermo Fernández Vara—favoured letting the PP try to form a government on its own.21 December 2015 https://www.lainformacion.com/espana/la-vieja-guardia-y-barones-frenan-a-sanchez-para-un-pacto-con-podemos_zGiL8iLJva1b5rvKKib874/ La vieja guardia y barones frenan a Sánchez para un pacto con Podemos es La Información 2 August 2020Díez Anabel 24 December 2015 https://elpais.com/politica/2015/12/24/actualidad/1450974572_109966.html Los barones del PSOE se unen contra Sánchez para limitar su poder de pacto es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 After a meeting with Rajoy on 23 December, Sánchez opposed any deals with the PP and voiced his preference to probe alternative alliances instead,Casqueiro Javier 22 December 2015 https://elpais.com/politica/2015/12/22/actualidad/1450807457_913844.html Rajoy planteará hoy al PSOE reformar la Constitución y presidir el Congreso es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Díez Anabel 23 December 2015 https://elpais.com/politica/2015/12/23/actualidad/1450869148_958153.html Sánchez dice 'no' a Rajoy e intentará formar un Gobierno de cambio es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 while also rejecting a previous proposal from Albert Rivera of a deal between PP, PSOE and C's—explicitly excluding Podemos—that promoted "the regeneration policy reforms that Spain needed".Tomàs Neus 22 December 2015 https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20151221/ciudadanos-gobierno-en-minoria-del-pp-abstencion-psoe-4768624 Ciudadanos quiere un gobierno en minoría del PP es El Periódico de Catalunya Barcelona 2 August 2020Mateo Juan José 23 December 2015 https://elpais.com/elpais/2015/12/23/videos/1450861316_437689.html Rivera ofrece a PP y PSOE un acuerdo de legislatura con reformas concretas es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 thumb|alt=Mariano Rajoy and Pedro Sánchez shaking hands in Moncloa palace|prime minister Mariano Rajoy and PSOE leader Pedro Sánchez in their post-election meeting on 23 December 2015. Sánchez also faced criticism from within his own party in light of his election result—the worst in the PSOE's recent history up to that point—as his critics aimed for a party congress to be held in February to vote on a new leadership.Sanz Luis Ángel 28 December 2015 https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/12/28/568133d046163fbb3d8b4576.html Los principales barones quieren renovar la dirección del PSOE en febrero es El Mundo 2 August 2020Castro Irene 28 December 2015 https://www.eldiario.es/politica/barones-psoe-liderazgo-pedro-sanchez_1_2276804.html Barones del PSOE exigen un congreso inmediato para discutir el liderazgo de Pedro Sánchez es eldiario.es 2 August 2020 Díaz—who had become the leading figure of the PSOE's internal opposition to Sánchez—sought to become the new party leader and to eventually lead the PSOE into a new general election,Sanz Luis Ángel 27 December 2015 https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/12/27/567f041222601d377e8b459e.html Pedro Sánchez y Susana Díaz avanzan hacia el choque de trenes es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020Basteiro Daniel 28 December 2015 http://www.elespanol.com/elecciones/elecciones-generales/20151228/90240978_0.html Los barones del PSOE buscan nuevas elecciones sin Sánchez es El Español 2 August 2020Díez Anabel 29 December 2015 https://elpais.com/politica/2015/12/28/actualidad/1451330848_721076.html El PSOE se divide por los intentos de un sector para relevar a Sánchez es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 wanting to limit Sánchez's pact policy through the resolutions of the party's federal committee. This was accomplished on 28 December, when the party determined that, should Podemos not withdraw its red line condition to hold a referendum in Catalonia, the party would not discuss any pacts with them, requiring Sánchez to avoid becoming prime minister "at any price".Sanz Luis Ángel 28 December 2015 https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/12/28/5681231b46163f03158b464a.html Pedro Sánchez no intentará ser presidente 'a cualquier precio' si Rajoy fracasa es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 Concurrently and in spite of his strong contestation within the party, Sánchez suggested delaying the PSOE leadership election until a new government was formed or a new election was held, with critics claiming that the election should be held "when it is due".Agencias G. S. 28 December 2015 https://www.abc.es/espana/abci-susana-diaz-rechaza-idea-sanchez-retrasar-congreso-psoe-201512281155_noticia.html Susana Díaz rechaza la idea de Sánchez de retrasar el congreso del PSOE es ABC Madrid 2 August 2020 In order to force Sánchez into the negotiating table, PP, Podemos, and C's took advantage of the growing rebellion within the PSOE. Pablo Iglesias questioned that people within the PSOE "wouldn't allow Pedro be prime minister", noting that Sánchez "does not control" the party,Iglesias Pablo 23 December 2015 https://www.huffingtonpost.es/pablo-iglesias/pablo-iglesias-presidente-independiente_b_8867064.html A Pedro no le dejan es El Huffington Post 2 August 2020Cruz Marisa Hernández Marisol 28 December 2015 https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/12/28/56819835ca4741957f8b4586.html PP, Podemos y Ciudadanos aprovechan la crisis del PSOE para presionar a Pedro Sánchez es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 while warning of the dangers of a hypothetical "three-way grand coalition" between PP, PSOE and C's that Podemos would oppose.Manetto Francesco Casqueiro Javier 28 December 2015 https://elpais.com/politica/2015/12/28/actualidad/1451294310_873538.html Iglesias agita el fantasma de "una gran coalición a tres" tras ver a Rajoy es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 Rivera pointed out that his party was waiting "for [the PSOE] to solve its internal affairs",28 December 2015 Mateo Juan José Casqueiro Javier https://elpais.com/politica/2015/12/28/actualidad/1451297287_075003.html Rivera: "Estamos ante la necesidad de que el PSOE mueva ficha" es El País 2 August 2020 whereas the PP reaffirmed its claim to lead the next Spanish government by seeking a multy-party pact with PSOE and C's.Casqueiro Madrid 28 December 2015 https://elpais.com/politica/2015/12/28/actualidad/1451303799_071897.html El PP usa la rebelión en el PSOE para subir la presión sobre Sánchez es El País Madrid 2 August 2020EFE 1 January 2016 https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160101/301139574910/guindos-gobierno-coalicion-pp-psoe-ciudadanos.html Guindos apuesta por un Gobierno de coalición de PP, PSOE y Ciudadanos es La Vanguardia Madrid 2 August 2020 PSOE's spokesperson Antonio Hernando confirmed on 5 January that the PSOE would reject the PP's proposal of a grand coalition.Garea Fernando 5 January 2016 El PSOE responde a Rajoy con un "no definitivo" a la investidura https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/05/actualidad/1451998690_058194.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 On 30 January, amid discussions between the different party factions on the party congress's date—with those supporting Sánchez seeking to delay it until June and his critics wishing to hold it sooner, in April—an agreement was reached for a new leadership to be elected through a party primary election on 8 May, with Sánchez announcing his will to seek re-election. The party congress to ratify the result of the primaries was scheduled for 20–22 May.Díez Anabel 30 January 2016 El PSOE elegirá a su secretario general el 8 de mayo y en primarias https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/30/actualidad/1454141526_902356.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Ruiz Sierra Juan 30 January 2016 El PSOE elegirá el 8 de mayo a su nuevo secretario general https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160130/sanchez-queria-que-el-congreso-fuese-en-junio-y-andalucia-en-abril-4858209 es El Periódico de Catalunya Madrid 3 August 2020 PP scandals thumb|left|alt=José Manuel Soria giving a press conference in Moncloa palace|José Manuel Soria was forced to renounce as caretaker industry minister after he came involved in the Panama Papers scandal. As negotiations for the formation of a new government stagnated, corruption scandals shook Rajoy's party and made it harder for him to secure support for an investiture vote.Luna Victoria 26 January 2016 La corrupción complica las negociaciones al PP justo cuando Rajoy mueve ficha https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2657726/0/corrupcion/pp/negociaciones/ 20 minutos es 2 August 2020 Two weeks before the election, it was unveiled that PP deputy Pedro Gómez de la Serna had been paid kickbacks worth millions of euros through a business he shared with another PP member, Spain's ambassador to India Gustavo de Arístegui, who resigned shortly thereafter.Alsedo Quico Herraiz Pablo 8 December 2015 Un embajador y un diputado del PP cobran comisiones millonarias en el extranjero https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2015/12/08/56673e07ca47412f0d8b45e5.html es El Mundo 2 August 2020 Gómez de la Serna, who was re-elected as deputy in the 20 December election, refused to vacate his seat, resulting in him being expelled from the PP and forced into the Mixed Group in Congress.González Yolanda 29 December 2015 El PP no incluirá a Gómez de la Serna en su Grupo Parlamentario en el Congreso https://www.infolibre.es/noticias/politica/2015/12/29/el_propone_adscripcion_gomez_serna_grupo_parlamentario_congreso_42835_1012.html es infoLibre 2 August 2020 On 22 January 2016, the PP became the first party to ever be judicially charged in a corruption case—a legal figure passed into law by Rajoy's cabinet itself in 2015—after being accused of destroying former treasurer Luis Bárcenas's hard drives in 2013, allegedly containing information related to the party's illegal funding.Águeda Pedro 22 January 2016 La jueza imputa al PP por la destrucción de los discos duros de Bárcenas https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pp-declare-querellado-ordenadores-barcenas_1_4228655.html es eldiario.es 2 August 202025 January 2016 El PP, primer partido imputado con la reforma del Código Penal de Gallardón https://www.lasexta.com/programas/al-rojo-vivo/te-explicamos/primer-partido-imputado-reforma-codigo-penal-gallardon_201601255723dae34beb28d446000f47.html es laSexta Madrid 2 August 2020 The same day, a member of deputy prime minister Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría's staff was forced to resign from office after it the unveiling of his involvement in a case of fraudulent awarding of public contracts.Europa Press 26 January 2016 Dimite Federico Ramos de Armas, el 'número 3' de Santamaría, tras el escándalo de Acuamed https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/01/22/56a212e546163fab348b45df.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 In early February, an illegal financing network was uncovered affecting the Valencian branch of the PP, with dozens of party officials and city councillors either indicted or arrested.Zafra Ignacio Hernández José Antonio 26 January 2016 24 detenidos en una operación anticorrupción centrada en Valencia https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/26/actualidad/1453798078_040910.html es El País Valencia / Madrid 2 August 2020Nieto Juan 26 January 2016 Detenido el ex presidente del PPCV, Alfonso Rus, por corrupción y blanqueo https://www.elmundo.es/comunidad-valenciana/2016/01/26/56a5df8222601dd0448b4618.html es El Mundo Xàtiva 2 August 2020Nieto Juan 1 February 2016 El juez imputa a todos los concejales del PP por lavar la caja B de Barberá https://www.elmundo.es/comunidad-valenciana/2016/02/01/56af3aad22601d936f8b45a4.html es El Mundo Valencia 2 August 2020 Judicial investigation also pointed to former long-time mayor of Valencia and one of the PP's most lauded figures, Rita Barberá, as a participant in the scandal.Zafra Ignacio 26 January 2016 La investigación por la corrupción en Valencia apunta a Rita Barberá es https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/26/actualidad/1453822747_623000.html El País Valencia 2 August 2020 On 11 February, evidence suggesting that the kickbacks-for-contracts scheme of the Púnica scandal could also involve an illegal financing of the Madrilenian PP led to the resignation of party's regional leader Esperanza Aguirre three days later.Lázaro Fernando Vázquez Ángeles 11 February 2016 El juez busca financiación ilegal del PP de Madrid en 'Púnica' https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/11/56bcc2fa268e3e7e788b45c7.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020Rodríguez José Antonio 11 February 2016 La Guardia Civil busca pruebas de financiación ilegal en la sede del PP de Madrid https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/11/actualidad/1455210116_950151.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Treceño Jaime 14 February 2016 Esperanza Aguirre dimite por las sospechas de corrupción del PP de Madrid https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/14/56c077e3268e3eae698b4584.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 Further scandals affecting the party were unveiled throughout April. The Spanish National Police Corps were sent to register the town hall of Granada—the fourth largest city of Andalusia and nineteenth of Spain—after the city mayor and his government—from the PP—were accused of having been involved in an urban planning corruption scandal.Rodríguez Jorge A. Limón Raúl 13 April 2016 https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/13/actualidad/1460530365_465839.html El juez investiga una "trama corrupta" en el Ayuntamiento de Granada es El País Madrid / Seville 2 August 2020 Concurrently, the Spanish Treasury fined former prime minister José María Aznar for evading tax payments through a secret society.Rodríguez de Paz Alicia 14 April 2016 https://www.lavanguardia.com/economia/20160414/401092789204/hacienda-sanciona-jose-maria-aznar-tributacion-irregular.html Hacienda sanciona a José María Aznar por tributación irregular es La Vanguardia Madrid 2 August 2020 Finally on 15 April, interim industry minister José Manuel Soria was found to be involved in the Panama Papers scandal, owing to the leaking of information earlier that week revealing that he and his family had maintained several offshore societies on tax havens during the previous decades.11 April 2016 https://www.eldiario.es/economia/ministro-soria-papeles-panama_1_4065518.html El ministro Soria aparece en los papeles de Panamá es eldiario.es 2 August 2020 Soria initially claimed the falsehood of such claims, but during the ensuing days reports kept leaking that contradicted his initial clarifications. After it was revealed that he had owned one of such societies on Jersey until 2002 during his term as mayor of Las Palmas, he was put in a critical political position over his confusing and changing explanations on the issue, which ultimately led to his renounce.Cruz Marisa Hernández Marisol 15 April 2016 https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/04/15/571094e1ca47416b718b4633.html José Manuel Soria presenta su renuncia como ministro de Industria es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 Candidate Pedro Sánchez (PSOE) Rajoy's withdrawal On 12 January, PSOE and C's reached an agreement to elect former lehendakari Patxi López as new president of the Congress, leading the PP to reluctantly withdraw its candidate over his lack of support and cast blank ballots instead,13 January 2016 Patxi López, elegido presidente del Congreso con apoyo de PSOE y Ciudadanos y el voto en blanco del PP https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-patxi-lopez-elegido-presidente-congreso-votos-psoe-ciudadanos-20160113120926.html es Europa Press Madrid 4 August 2020 whereas Podemos proposed Carolina Bescansa for the post with the support of United Left–Popular Unity (IU–UPeC).Garea Fernando 12 January 2016 PSOE y Ciudadanos pactan que Patxi López sea presidente del Congreso https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/12/actualidad/1452597846_311944.html es El País Madrid 2 August 202013 January 2016 Podemos propone su propia candidata para presidir el Congreso https://cadenaser.com/ser/2016/01/13/politica/1452675429_720834.html es Cadena SER Madrid 2 August 2020 The next week, King Felipe VI started a round of consultations with the different political parties in order to nominate a candidate for prime minister, but privately acknowledged to party representatives that he thought that a Rajoy's investiture was unlikely.Alberola Miquel 18 January 2016 El Rey insinúa a los partidos que ve difícil la investidura de Rajoy https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/18/actualidad/1453101107_387090.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 Rajoy initially showed his willingness at attempting an investiture run despite not having any support other than that of his own party,Cruz Marisa 21 January 2016 Rajoy acudirá a la investidura sin contar con ningún apoyo https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/01/21/56a132a222601d703d8b4648.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 whereas Albert Rivera sought to mediate an agreement between PP and PSOE.Piña Raúl 21 January 2016 Albert Rivera se ofrece al Rey para "desencallar la guerra fría" de PP y PSOE https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/01/21/56a09691ca4741cd078b45b6.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 Election of the President of the Congress of Deputies Ballot → 13 January 2016 13 January 2016 Required majority → 176 out of 350 Simple Patxi López (PSOE) 130 350 Spanish Socialist Workers' Party 125px 15 130 350 Spanish Socialist Workers' Party 125px 15 Carolina Bescansa (Podemos) 71 350 Podemos (Spanish political party) 125px 15 71 350 Podemos (Spanish political party) 125px 15 Blank ballots 149 350 lightgray 125px 148 350 lightgray 125px Invalid ballots 0 350 gray 125px 1 350 gray 125px Absentees 0 350 black 125px 0 350 black 125px SourcesLozano Carles https://www.historiaelectoral.com/e2015.html Elecciones Generales 20 de diciembre de 2015 es Historia Electoral.com 25 August 2025 thumb|alt=Mariano Rajoy giving a press conference in Moncloa palace|On 22 January 2016, Mariano Rajoy announced that he was temporarily turning down the King's nomination after Pablo Iglesias's offer of a coalition government to the PSOE. As the round of consultations drew to a close on 22 January, Iglesias made a surprise announcement by offering Sánchez to form a coalition government with himself as his deputy, while also laying out a proposal for the future's cabinet composition.Alberola Miquel Manetto Francesco 22 January 2016 Iglesias marca los tiempos con su propuesta de la vicepresidencia https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/22/actualidad/1453461680_098827.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020EFE 22 January 2016 Pedro Sánchez se entera por el Rey de la jugada de Iglesias https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160122/301597656481/pedro-sanchez-se-entera-por-el-rey-de-la-jugada-de-iglesias.html La Vanguardia es Madrid 2 August 2020 Sánchez welcomed the offer but refused to give a formal answer to it, having insisted earlier that "times should be respected" and that Rajoy "should have the first shot", while noting that "policies should come first, then the government's composition".Castro Irene 22 January 2016 Pedro Sánchez responde a Iglesias: "Primero son las políticas y luego el Gobierno" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pedro-sanchez-iglesias-primero-gobierno_1_4229072.html es eldiario.es 2 August 2020 Upon knowing of Iglesias's offer to Sánchez, Rajoy turned down Felipe VI's nomination as candidate on the grounds that there was now "a verified majority against him", arguing that he would not be running "just to let the times die out".Casqueiro Javier 22 January 2016 Rajoy no se someterá a la investidura y deja que Iglesias y Sánchez intenten un Gobierno https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/22/actualidad/1453478212_032444.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Cruz Marisa 22 January 2016 Rajoy evita la investidura tras el órdago de Iglesias a Sánchez https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/01/22/56a26db9268e3ee7098b457c.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020Associated Press 22 January 2016 Spanish PM Rajoy turns down king's offer to form new government https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/22/spanish-prime-minister-rajoy-kings-petition-new-government The Guardian 2 August 2020 After Rajoy's withdrawal, a new round of consultations was announced with Sánchez as the most likely nominee.Casqueiro Javier Garea Fernando 22 January 2016 El Rey abre la semana próxima otra ronda de contactos tras el 'no' de Rajoy https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/22/actualidad/1453485165_756713.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 The PSOE—which had intended for Rajoy to go through a failed investiture in Congress—suddenly found itself obliged to either accept or reject Iglesias's offer, which some PSOE high-ranking members regarded as being aimed at "humiliating" and destabilizing them.Díez Anabel 22 January 2016 Los líderes socialistas creen que la oferta de Iglesias es un "insulto" https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/22/actualidad/1453496560_129777.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 Pablo Iglesias celebrated that his proposal had caused Rajoy to step back and urged Sánchez to "rise to the challenge" by accepting it.Pablo Iglesias espera que Sánchez "esté a la altura" y se arroga el "paso atrás" de Rajoy https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-pablo-iglesias-espera-sanchez-altura-arroga-paso-atras-rajoy-20160122213532.html es Europa Press Toledo 22 January 2016 On the other hand, the PSOE attacked Rajoy and dubbed his decision as "irresponsible" while regarding Podemos's offer as "blackmail".Piña Raúl Sanz Luis Ángel 23 January 2016 El PSOE ve "chantaje" en la oferta de Podemos y Sánchez llama a Rivera para abrir una vía de diálogo https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/01/23/56a36a5646163f8f7b8b45d5.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 Subsequently, Sánchez also declined to go to an investiture vote until Rajoy made his try or, alternatively, stepped back definitively, though he would later add that he would accept the King's nomination should the PP reject it again.Díez Anabel 23 January 2016 Sánchez aceptará el encargo del Rey de intentar la investidura si el PP lo rechaza de nuevo https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/23/actualidad/1453553795_291625.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 On 2 February, Felipe VI formally tasked him with forming a government, which he accepted.Castro Irene 2 February 2016 Pedro Sánchez comunica al rey que está "dispuesto a intentar formar Gobierno" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pedro-sanchez-comunica-dispuesto-gobierno_1_4209814.html es eldiario.es 2 August 2020 Sánchez announced that he would try to muster parliamentary support for a successful investiture vote and gave himself a negotiation period of "three weeks to one month".Sanz Luis Ángel 2 February 2016 Pedro Sánchez inicia una negociación a la desesperada para ser presidente https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/02/56b0fe83ca474114488b4608.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 The investiture debate was set to start on 1 March, with the first ballot being scheduled for 2 March and the date of a hypothetical new election being automatically set for 26 June.Garea Fernando 2 February 2016 Tres semanas o un mes para negociar un Gobierno https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/02/actualidad/1454441547_593596.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Garea Fernando 15 February 2016 Pedro Sánchez se someterá a la investidura el 2 de marzo https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/15/actualidad/1455523517_358035.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 Rajoy warned against a possible PSOE–Podemos alliance and expressed his wish for Sánchez to fail in his attempt so that he could explore a three-way "moderate" alliance with PSOE and C's to be led by himself.Casqueiro Javier 23 January 2016 Rajoy advierte de que parará los disparates de otro Gobierno en el Senado https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/23/actualidad/1453545112_869649.html es El País Córdoba 2 August 2020Clemente Enrique 1 February 2016 Rajoy fía su futuro político al fracaso de Sánchez y a unas nuevas elecciones https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/espana/2016/02/01/rajoy-fia-futuro-politico-fracaso-sanchez-nuevas-elecciones/0003_201602G1P2991.htm es La Voz de Galicia Madrid 2 August 2020 It was reported that the PP favoured going into an early election as the party confirmed that it would vote against any candidate other than Rajoy.Junquera Natalia 1 February 2016 Maillo: "El PP votará no a cualquier pacto que no esté liderado por Rajoy" https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/01/actualidad/1454327906_161291.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Cruz Marisa 2 February 2016 Rajoy se reserva a la espera de que Pedro Sánchez coseche un fracaso https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/02/56b0e3b1268e3e8a538b4653.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 Negotiations and PSOE–C's alliance After Sánchez's nomination, Podemos and C's expressed their intention to vote against any pact that included each other.Mateo Juan José Alberola Miquel 31 January 2016 Rivera destaca sus coincidencias con el PSOE frente a Podemos https://elpais.com/politica/2016/01/31/actualidad/1454264252_980630.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Manetto Francesco 1 February 2016 Iglesias no apoyará un pacto Sánchez-Rivera "ni por activa ni por pasiva" https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/01/actualidad/1454329011_779004.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 Pablo Iglesias asked Sánchez to not seek "impossible pacts" including both of them while insisting on his own offer,Carvajal Álvaro 2 February 2016 Pablo Iglesias exige a Pedro Sánchez abandonar la "hipocresía" y no buscar pactos "imposibles" con C's y Podemos https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/02/56b0faec268e3eb4508b456f.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 whereas Albert Rivera did not rule out the possibility of a PSOE–C's agreement and voiced his wish for the PP to not vote against Sánchez.Piña Raúl 2 February 2016 Ciudadanos trabajará para que el PP no vote en contra de Pedro Sánchez https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/02/56b1132122601d546d8b45ce.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 PSOE started talks with C's, seeking to turn the latter's intended abstention into a "yes" vote,Ruiz de Almirón Víctor Sanz Gabriel 17 February 2016 Ciudadanos y el PSOE alcanzan acuerdos pero les separa el "sí" a Sánchez https://www.abc.es/espana/abci-ciudadanos-y-psoe-alcanzan-acuerdos-pero-separa-si-sanchez-201602172318_noticia.html es ABC Madrid 2 August 2020Robles Gemma Ruiz Sierra Juan 21 February 2016 El PSOE echa el resto con Ciudadanos https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160221/ciudadanos-recta-final-negociaciones-psoe-investidura-pedro-sanchez-4914890 es El Periódico de Catalunya 2 August 2020 with Rivera not rejecting an eventual incorporation into a PSOE-led government as negotiations progressed.Mateo Juan José 22 February 2016 Rivera, dispuesto a entrar en un Gobierno del PSOE si el PP se abstiene https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/22/actualidad/1456127918_737610.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Díez Anabel 20 February 2016 Ciudadanos negocia con el PSOE medidas que atraigan al PP al pacto https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/20/actualidad/1455994614_294383.html es El País Madrid 20 February 2016 A PSOE–C's pact would have still required further support as it only mustered 130 out of 350 seats, with it being opposed by all three Podemos, Compromís and IU, with whom the PSOE was yet to start talks.Uría Ibon 18 February 2016 IU apuesta por un acuerdo con PSOE, Podemos y Compromís y ve "incómodo" el apoyo de C's https://www.infolibre.es/noticias/politica/2016/02/18/iu_apuesta_por_acuerdo_psoe_podemos_tacha_quot_incomodo_quot_apoyo_ciudadanos_45159_1012.html es infoLibre 2 August 2020 Talks between the PSOE and several minor parties led to an agreement with Canarian Coalition (CCa) on 19 February, with a decision still pending on whether this would materialize in a support vote or in an abstention.Sánchez Ana I. 19 February 2016 El PSOE suma a Coalición Canaria para la investidura de Pedro Sánchez https://www.abc.es/espana/abci-psoe-suma-coalicion-canaria-para-investidura-pedro-sanchez-201602191406_noticia.html es ABC Madrid 2 August 2020Cruz M. Carmen 19 February 2016 CC y PSOE alcanzan un acuerdo pero el voto a favor de la investidura de Sánchez está aún por decidir https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20160219/cc-psoe-alcanzan-acuerdo-pero-voto-favor-investidura-sanchez-esta-aun-decidir/1304560.shtml es RTVE 3 August 2020 Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) and Democracy and Freedom (DiL) announced that they would oppose a PSOE-led government unless it recognized Catalonia's sovereignty by allowing an independence referendum to be held,23 January 2016 Homs descarta abstenerse en una hipotética investidura de Pedro Sánchez es https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160123/301614002777/homs-descarta-abstencion-investidura-pedro-sanchez.html La Vanguardia Barcelona 2 August 202023 January 2016 Joan Tardà: "No concebem cap govern si no reconeix la sobirania de Catalunya" https://www.naciodigital.cat/noticia/101970/joan/tarda/no/concebem/cap/govern/si/no/reconeix/sobirania/catalunya ca NacióDigital 2 August 2020 something the PSOE rejected.Marcos José Díez Anabel 16 February 2016 Sánchez traslada a ERC y DiL que nunca aceptará un referéndum https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/16/actualidad/1455641690_516464.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 The Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) had already discarded supporting Rajoy and conditioned a support for Sánchez on a new political status being granted for the Basque Country.Pazos P. 21 January 2016 El PNV supedita su apoyo a Sánchez a pactar un nuevo estatus político para el País Vasco http://www.abc.es/espana/abci-supedita-apoyo-sanchez-pactar-nuevo-estatus-politico-para-pais-vasco-201601211611_noticia.html es ABC Bilbao 2 August 2020 In January, EH Bildu had hinted at being willing to "get involved in the investiture process" if there was "a real offer of change".Alegría Arantza 28 January 2016 Beitialarrangoitia: "EH Bildu está dispuesto a mojarse en la investidura si hay ofertas reales de cambio" https://cadenaser.com/emisora/2016/01/28/radio_bilbao/1454013649_189485.html es Cadena SER Bilbao 2 August 2020 The PSOE was said to have offered a cabinet post for IU leader Alberto Garzón in a meeting on 8 February; IU was reported as having rejected the offer, being more concerned about programmatic measures and in preventing "a government of the right-wing", as well as in reaching an understanding with other similarly aligned forces.Riveiro Aitor 15 February 2016 "El mandato que tenemos es que no haya un Gobierno de derechas" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/mandato-gobierno-derechas_128_4168336.html es eldiario.es 2 August 2020Cortizo Gonzalo 16 February 2016 El PSOE ofreció un puesto en el Gobierno a IU-UP en la primera reunión con Alberto Garzón https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-ofrecio-puesto-gobierno-alberto-garzon_1_4153959.html es eldiario.es 2 August 2020 thumb|left|alt=Pedro Sánchez and Albert Rivera shaking hands in Moncloa palace|PSOE and C's leaders Pedro Sánchez and Albert Rivera signed a government accord on 24 February 2016 (pictured, both men in May 2019). On 15 February—and without any formal talks between the two parties having started yet—Podemos publicly outlined a detailed government programme to the PSOE, which included a proposal for a self-determination referendum to be held in Catalonia.Carvajal Álvaro 16 February 2016 Podemos exige al PSOE un referéndum en Cataluña en su programa de Gobierno https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/15/56c1ba93ca4741943c8b45c5.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 Sánchez criticized Iglesias for not having informed him of such proposal first and for "wanting to negotiate through press briefings", rejecting Podemos's document.Díez Anabel Manetto Francesco 16 February 2016 PSOE y Podemos no se ponen de acuerdo para empezar a hablar https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/16/actualidad/1455612688_865317.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Díez Anabel 20 February 2016 El PSOE reclama a Podemos que excluya de la negociación el referéndum "y los controles políticos" https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/20/actualidad/1455972133_387459.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Europa Press 20 February 2016 Las 14 discrepancias entre PSOE y Podemos que dificultan un pacto de gobierno https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160220/302307499122/psoe-podemos-discrepancias-imposible-pacto.html es La Vanguardia 2 August 2020 Iglesias replied by demanding a meeting with Sánchez to tell him what the PSOE wanted to negotiate, with the latter answering that he would only meet Pablo Iglesias "to sign an agreement".Agencias 16 February 2016 Pedro Sánchez replica a Podemos que sólo se reunirá con Pablo Iglesias para firmar un acuerdo https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160216/302212573635/pedro-sanchez-podemos-solo-reunira-pablo-iglesias-firmar-acuerdo.html es La Vanguardia Madrid 2 August 2020 Both Iglesias and Mònica Oltra—from Compromís—stated that if PSOE leaders sought to govern alone "they should openly say so", but that "[Sánchez's government] will be a plural one or it won't be".Martín Patricia 19 February 2016 Iglesias y Oltra a Sánchez: "Su gobierno será plural o no será" https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160219/pablo-iglesias-monica-oltra-condiciones-investidura-pedro-sanchez-4912055 es El Periódico de Catalunya 2 August 2020 During a European summit on 18 February, Rajoy was recorded telling British prime minister David Cameron that he expected the government formation process to result in a fresh election, noting that he thought that Sánchez would probably lose the vote on 2–4 March.Rodríguez Suanzes Pablo 18 February 2016 https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/18/56c612c8ca4741da4b8b456f.html Rajoy a Cameron: "Lo más probable es que haya elecciones en España el 26 de junio" es El Mundo Brussels 2 August 2020 Through Alberto Garzón's mediation, several meetings were finally agreed between PSOE, Podemos, Compromís and IU, starting on 22 February.Díez Anabel García de Blas Elsa 19 February 2016 Sánchez acepta una reunión a cuatro con Podemos, IU y Compromís https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/19/actualidad/1455893652_692054.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 Concurrently with those talks, PSOE and C's secretly kept their negotiations ongoing, with a final agreement said to be expected within 24–48 hours.García de Blas Elsa Díez Anabel Manetto Francesco 22 February 2016 El PSOE negocia simultáneamente con la izquierda y Ciudadanos https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/22/actualidad/1456138428_414131.html es El País Madrid 2 August 202022 February 2016 El acuerdo entre PSOE y Ciudadanos podría anunciarse en 24-48 horas https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/acuerdo-psoe-ciudadanos-podria-anunciarse-2448-horas_201602225723c1174beb28d446000239.html es laSexta Madrid 2 August 2020 The four-way meeting between the left-aligned parties ended with the most troubling matters being postponed for the next day, but all four were reportedly hopeful of an overall agreement being reached.Sanz Luis Ángel Carvajal Álvaro Piña Raúl 22 February 2016 PSOE y Podemos dejan los asuntos más espinosos para la reunión de este martes https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/22/56caf4f7ca47416e0f8b45fd.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 However, while Podemos reluctantly accepted the PSOE keeping its negotiations with C's, it refused to support Sánchez's investiture if he reached a government agreement with this party.Díez Anabel Manetto Francesco García de Blas Elsa 22 February 2016 Podemos cede y asume que el PSOE negocie en paralelo con Ciudadanos https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/22/actualidad/1456154630_447017.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Manetto Francesco 23 February 2016 Podemos no apoyará a Sánchez si cierra un acuerdo con Ciudadanos es https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/23/actualidad/1456233549_386525.html El País Madrid 2 August 2020 On the late night of 23 February, PSOE and C's struck a government deal,Ruiz Sierra Juan Robles Gemma 23 February 2016 Sánchez ata un pacto con Ciudadanos y busca más apoyos https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160223/sanchez-investidura-negociaciones-4921084 es El Periódico de Catalunya 2 August 2020 which was unveiled the next day under the name of "Agreement for a Reformist and Progressive Government" (es Acuerdo para un Gobierno reformista y de progreso)—and informally dubbed as the "Pact of El Abrazo" or "The Hug Agreement" (es no Pacto del Abrazo), in reference to it being signed in the Constitutional Room of the Congress, presided over by a large picture by Juan Genovés named as "El Abrazo"Ruiz Valdivia Antonio 24 February 2016 El 'abrazo' de Sánchez y Rivera https://www.huffingtonpost.es/2016/02/24/sanchez-rivera_n_9305900.html es El Huffington Post 2 August 2020Ellakuría Iñaki 30 April 2019 Rivera tampoco quiere reeditar el 'pacto del abrazo' https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20190430/461956239128/rivera-tampoco-quiere-reeditar-el-pacto-del-abrazo.html es La Vanguardia Madrid 2 August 2020—and which saw both Sánchez and Rivera inviting all other parties "from the left and the right" to join it.Castro Irene 24 February 2016 Pedro Sánchez y Albert Rivera invitan a su pacto al resto de partidos "a izquierda y derecha" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pedro-sanchez-albert-rivera-sellan-acuerdo_1_4142838.html es eldiario.es 2 August 2020 It was presented as an "ambitious" programme that comprised constitutional, electoral, social, tax and labour reforms, anti-fraud and anti-corruption measures or a "democratic regeneration" plan—including the enforcement of compulsory party primaries—among others.Amigot P. 24 February 2016 Las 20 medidas estrella del acuerdo entre PSOE y Ciudadanos https://www.expansion.com/economia/2016/02/24/56cda0a6268e3ea8758b458d.html es Expansión 2 August 2020 However, the signed document—which did not clarify whether C's would be entering the government if successfulMateo Juan José 25 February 2016 Rivera le pide a Rajoy una reunión para lograr su abstención https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/25/actualidad/1456390642_785114.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020Cruz M. Carmen 24 February 2016 PSOE y Ciudadanos firman un pacto con doscientas medidas para dar el 'sí' a la investidura de Sánchez https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20160224/hernando-anuncia-ciudadanos-votara-favor-investidura-pedro-sanchez/1307141.shtml es RTVE 2 August 2020—was revealed to include many points that were contrary to Podemos's election manifesto, such as the absence of a specific repealing of the labour reforms of 2010 and 2012, the explicit opposition to any self-determination referendum in Catalonia and the negation of many of the tax hikes proposed by Podemos, little public investment, a lack of prohibition of the so-called "revolving doors", etc.Carvajal Álvaro 24 February 2016 10 puntos que impiden a Podemos sumarse al pacto de PSOE-Ciudadanos https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/24/56cdaa0646163f0a1b8b466e.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 As a result, all three Podemos, Compromís and IU broke off negotiations with the PSOE on 24 February,Romero Juanma 25 February 2016 El giro del PSOE a C's aborta la investidura de Sánchez y le hace perder a la izquierda https://www.elconfidencial.com/elecciones-generales/2016-02-25/el-giro-del-psoe-hacia-c-s-aborta-la-investidura-de-sanchez-y-le-hace-perder-a-la-izquierda_1158191/ es El Confidencial 2 August 2020 amid accusations to the latter of "dishonesty" and putting all talks on hold until after Sánchez's investiture vote.Riveiro Aitor Castro Irene 24 February 2016 Podemos paraliza las negociaciones con el PSOE hasta que pase la sesión de investidura https://www.eldiario.es/politica/podemos-paraliza-negociaciones-psoe-investidura_1_4139230.html es eldiario.es 2 August 202024 February 2016 IU y Compromís suspenden la mesa a cuatro y sus negociaciones bilaterales con el PSOE https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-iu-compromis-suspenden-mesa-cuatro-negociaciones-bilaterales-psoe-20160224205830.html es Europa Press Madrid 2 August 2020 Concurrently, Rajoy said that the pact between PSOE and C's was "useless", noting the shortage of parliamentary support for the alliance and reiterating that the PP would vote against Sánchez's investiture regardless of his choice of partners.Puig Laura 24 February 2016 Mariano Rajoy: "El pacto de PSOE y Ciudadanos no sirve para nada" https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160224/mariano-rajoy-pacto-psoe-ciudadanos-no-sirve-para-nada-4923142 es El Periódico de Catalunya Barcelona 2 August 2020 Despite these hostilities, the PSOE was still hoping to lure the PNV into the agreement.Robles Gemma Ruiz Sierra Juan 25 February 2016 Sánchez espera al PNV mientras sube la presión por su pacto con Ciudadanos https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160225/sanchez-espera-pnv-mientras-sube-presion-por-pacto-ciudadanos-4929251 es El Periódico de Catalunya 2 August 2020 On 26–27 February, the PSOE submitted its agreement with C's to the vote of its membership, which approved it by a wide margin (79–21%), albeit on a 51.7% turnout.Díez Anabel 27 February 2016 Los militantes del PSOE ratifican el acuerdo con Ciudadanos https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/27/actualidad/1456568372_746890.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 The vote received wide criticism for the question's wording, as it was regarded as generic and did not explicitly name either C's or the specific document agreed with them.Castro Irene 24 February 2016 El PSOE usa una fórmula genérica para consultar a las bases por los acuerdos para la investidura https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-generica-consultar-acuerdos-investidura_1_4143531.html es eldiario.es 2 August 2020Tomàs Neus 24 February 2016 La pregunta del PSOE a la militancia no cita a Ciudadanos https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160224/pregunta-pacto-psoe-ciudadanos-consulta-militancia-4923586 es El Periódico de Catalunya Barcelona 2 August 2020 The result was widely interpreted as an effort from party members to avoid disavowing Sánchez just days ahead of his investiture attempt, rather than genuine support for the pact with C's.Sánchez Castrillo Álvaro 27 February 2016 El 40% de los 189.000 militantes del PSOE respalda el pacto con Ciudadanos https://www.infolibre.es/noticias/politica/2016/02/27/menos_del_los_militantes_del_psoe_respaldan_pacto_con_ciudadanos_45629_1012.html es infoLibre 2 August 2020 78.94 21.06 51.68 + 26–27 February PSOE membership vote Question: "Do you support these accords to forma progressive and reformist government?" Choice Votes % 15 Yes 74,146 78.94 No 19,783 21.06 Valid votes 93,929 97.78 Invalid or blank votes 2,133 2.22 Total votes 96,062 100.00 Registered voters and turnout 185,887 51.68 Source27 February 2016 https://www.psoe.es/consulta-acuerdo-de-gobierno/resultados-de-la-consulta-a-la-militancia/ Resultados de la consulta a la militancia es Spanish Socialist Workers' Party 2 August 2020 Both signatories soon clashed on the document's interpretation. In an effort to court Podemos, the PSOE claimed that the pact did provide for the repealing of several controversial laws passed during Rajoy's tenure, a claim rejected by C's on the grounds that the written document only mentioned limited modifications on specific issues.26 February 2016 PSOE y Ciudadanos no se ponen de acuerdo con la derogación de la reforma laboral y la 'ley mordaza' https://www.eldiario.es/rastreador/video-psoe-ciudadanos-derogacion-reforma_132_4134637.html es eldiario.es 2 August 2020 Rivera said that he "could not prevent Pedro Sánchez from saying what the accord doesn't state",EFE 27 February 2016 Rivera: "No puedo evitar que Pedro Sánchez diga lo que no dice el acuerdo" http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160228/4060105335/rivera-no-puedo-evitar-que-pedro-sanchez-diga-lo-que-no-dice-el-acuerdo.html es La Vanguardia Madrid 2 August 2020 later adding that his compromise was with the signed document, which initially only provided for C's support to Sánchez's investiture on 2–4 March.Mateo Juan José 26 February 2016 Ciudadanos reconsiderará su apoyo a Sánchez si no es investido a la primera https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/26/actualidad/1456512423_809389.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 C's was said as being willing to probe the possibility of an alternative pact with the PP if Sánchez "crashed" in his attempt.Segovia Carlos 25 February 2016 La carta de Rajoy a Albert Rivera: "Sabes que siempre estoy a tu disposición" https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/25/56cf7c8cca4741a8358b45f9.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 202027 February 2016 Rivera tanteará un posible acuerdo con el PP si Sánchez se estrella https://www.lainformacion.com/espana/rivera-tanteara-un-posible-acuerdo-con-el-pp-si-sanchez-se-estrella_yzppsqx1v1si2n3prhklg es La Información 2 August 2020 On 29 February, hours before the start of Sánchez's investiture debate, the PSOE sent a last-minute offer to Podemos and the other left-wing parties to collect their support, but Podemos leaders rejected it and accused the PSOE of sending a "copy-paste" of the PSOE–C's document with minor modifications and of ignoring almost all of their demands.Carvajal Álvaro 29 February 2016 Podemos rechaza tajantemente la oferta del PSOE tras ser ignoradas casi todas sus demandas https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/29/56d43a02268e3e4f2b8b463b.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 202029 February 2016 Manetto Francesco Podemos rechaza la última oferta de Sánchez para la investidura https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/29/actualidad/1456749196_963198.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 C's also questioned Sánchez for trying to unilaterally change their alliance's terms in order to desperately obtain the support of other parties, stating that their pledged support was "for the signed deal only" and that "any changes would have to be reviewed so as to see what stance is adopted by the party".Piña Raúl 29 February 2016 PSOE y Ciudadanos chocan sobre su acuerdo de Gobierno horas antes de la investidura de Pedro Sánchez https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/29/56d42e38e2704ef2278b4583.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020Mateo Juan José 29 February 2016 Ciudadanos advierte al PSOE de que solo apoyará el pacto ya firmado https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/29/actualidad/1456747171_488655.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 First investiture attempt Sánchez's investiture debate was scheduled to start at 16:30 CET (UTC+1) on 1 March with Sánchez's speech, to be followed by the replies of all other parties and a first round of voting on 2 March, with a second and final ballot on 4 March if required.29 February 2016 Las claves del debate de investidura de Pedro Sánchez https://elpais.com/politica/2016/02/29/actualidad/1456742372_529046.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020Mucientes Esther 1 March 2016 Guía para no perderse en el debate de investidura de Pedro Sánchez https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/03/01/56d54a4622601d8c038b45ff.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020 The PNV decided against supporting Sánchez previous to the debate's start, following mutual disagreements over the previous weekend on an alleged PSOE counter-offer—whose precise content was not disclosed—which PNV spokesman Aitor Esteban said to be "so unacceptable" that his party had chosen to arrange it as if no answer had been received.1 March 2016 EFE Otro 'chasco' para Pedro Sánchez: El PNV no votará sí en la investidura https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160301/40123453841/pedro-sanchez-pnv-investidura.html es La Vanguardia Madrid 3 August 2020Izarra Josean 1 March 2016 El PNV votará 'no' a Pedro Sánchez https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/03/01/56d5dee846163f48588b462e.html es El Mundo Bilbao 3 August 2020 CCa spokeswoman Ana Oramas also announced that she would be opting to abstain on the basis that "there is no credible or viable majority to govern".Agencias 1 March 2016 Ana Oramas (Coalición Canaria) se abstendrá en la votación de investidura de Sánchez es https://www.eldiario.es/canariasahora/politica/ana-oramas-coalicion-canaria-sanchez_1_4127311.html eldiario.es 3 August 2020 In his speech on 1 March, Sánchez outlined a government programme limited to most of the proposals contained in his accord with C's, asking for Podemos to vote for "a government of change", attacking the PP and thanking Rivera's party for their support. He stated that, even if he did not get enough votes for being elected prime minister, he was "proud to have helped unlock the political situation".Garea Fernando 1 March 2016 Sánchez emplaza a Podemos a dar sus votos para un Gobierno de cambio https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/01/actualidad/1456836589_623567.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020Cruz Marisa 1 March 2016 Pedro Sánchez convierte su discurso en un pulso a Podemos para echar a Rajoy https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/03/01/56d59000268e3e93038b45db.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020 In his rejoinder the next day, in what was reported as one of his "harshest" speeches ever, Rajoy resorted to sarcasm and aggressive irony and ridiculed the PSOE–C's accord—dubbing it as a "most solemn agreement without the slightest relevance", "a farce", "imposture", "a theatrical representation" or "a vaudeville"—while accusing Sánchez of "trying to stage a personal promotion campaign" ahead of a hypothetical new election and of not having been willing to discuss anything with him, leading to the engagement turning into a mutual exchange of accusations where both Rajoy and Sánchez blamed each other for not allowing the formation of a government.Casqueiro Javier Junquera Natalia 2 March 2016 Rajoy muestra su desprecio total a Sánchez antes de pedirle su voto https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/02/actualidad/1456944645_513204.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020Castillo M. Mayo M. G. 2 March 2016 Rajoy y Sánchez se acusan mutuamente de no permitir formar Gobierno https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2016/03/02/56d69369e2704e745a8b45e5.html es Expansión 3 August 2020 The debate also showed the PSOE and Podemos delving into their differences,Garea Fernando 2 March 2016 Rajoy e Iglesias descalifican el pacto de Sánchez con Rivera en un debate tenso https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/02/actualidad/1456907538_847989.html es El País Madrid 3 August 20202 March 2016 Cortizo Gonzalo PSOE y Podemos acentúan su distancia en un debate de investidura que arrincona a Rajoy https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-podemos-investidura-arrincona-rajoy_1_4129367.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 with Pablo Iglesias accusing Sánchez and his party of "betraying the Socialist principles" and of "capitulating" to C's.Riveiro Aitor 2 March 2016 Pablo Iglesias acusa a Pedro Sánchez de "capitular" ante Ciudadanos y le conmina a negociar con la izquierda https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pablo-iglesias-pedro-sanchez_1_4132355.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 Albert Rivera defended his alliance with the PSOE "despite their mutual differences", addressing the PP's benches—from where several shouts of "traitor" were uttered—and urging them to "have the courage and bravery" to "set aside" Rajoy's era.Mateo Juan José 2 March 2016 Rivera da por acabada la etapa de Rajoy: "Es tiempo de acción y coraje" https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/02/actualidad/1456906989_726647.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 InvestitureCongress of DeputiesNomination of Pedro Sánchez (PSOE) Ballot → 2 March 2016 4 March 2016 Required majority → 176 out of 350 15 Simple 15 Yes • PSOE (89) • C's (40) • NCa (1) • CCa (1) (on 4 Mar) 130 350 green 125px 131 350 green 125px No • PP (119) • Pod–ECP–EM (65) • ERC (9) • DiL (8) • PNV (6) • Compromís (4) • IU–UPeC (2) • EH Bildu (2) • UPN (2) • FAC (1) • Independent (1) 219 350 red 125px 219 350 red 125px Abstentions • CCa (1) (on 2 Mar) 1 350 gray 125px 0 350 gray 125px Absentees 0 350 black 125px 0 350 black 125px SourcesLozano Carles https://www.historiaelectoral.com/congresovota.html Congreso de los Diputados: Votaciones más importantes es Historia Electoral.com 25 August 2025 With only 131 voting in favour and 219 opposing in the second round of voting, Sánchez's investiture became the first one ever to result in a defeat for the nominee,28 February 2016 Sánchez, primer candidato que se enfrenta a una posible investidura fallida https://www.lainformacion.com/espana/INVESTIDURA-SANCHEZ-CANDIDATO-ENFRENTA-POSIBLE_0_893911718.html es La Información 3 August 2020Colpisa 1 March 2016 Sánchez llega a la investidura más difícil con el menor respaldo de la historia https://www.diariodenavarra.es/noticias/mas_actualidad/nacional/2016/02/29/sanchez_llega_investidura_mas_dificil_con_menor_respaldo_historia_426729_1031.html es Diario de Navarra Madrid 3 August 2020 with his candidacy failing to obtain the required majorities in both ballots.Garea Fernando 2 March 2016 Pedro Sánchez fracasa en la primera votación de investidura https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/02/actualidad/1456939315_083157.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020Sanz Luis Ángel 4 March 2016 Pedro Sánchez emplaza al Congreso a "votar sí" para "evitar que Rajoy siga al frente del Gobierno" https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/03/04/56d8b3cc268e3e66128b46b8.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020 The PSOE had hoped to persuade Podemos into either supporting or abstaining in the second ballot, but gave up on their attempt after the harsh debate between Sánchez and Iglesias.Castro Irene 4 March 2016 El PSOE tira la toalla con Podemos en la segunda votación por la dura intervención de Iglesias https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pedro-sanchez-da-perdida-investidura_1_4124545.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 The party did try for others to abstain on the 4 March vote so as to reduce the large number of "no" votes, but only managed to sway CCa into voting for Sánchez as a political gesture with no practical effects whatsoever in the final result.Garea Fernando 4 March 2016 El Congreso rechaza por amplia mayoría el pacto de Sánchez y Rivera https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/04/actualidad/1457117558_777271.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 Road to a new election Investiture aftermath After Sánchez's failure, King Felipe VI opted to put any further attempts on hold until a workable government proposal was presented to him.Alberola Miquel 4 March 2016 El Rey esperará iniciativas sólidas del Congreso para proponer otro candidato https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/04/actualidad/1457122942_887529.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 Both PSOE and C's showed their willingness to maintain their alliance ahead of future negotiations, announcing that those would be done with both parties simultaneously on the basis of their agreed document,Atlas 5 March 2016 Girauta dice que el pacto PSOE-C's aún "no ha muerto" https://www.20minutos.es/videos/nacional/ikzHKQZ5-girauta-dice-que-el-pacto-psoe-c-s-aun-no-ha-muerto/ es 20 minutos 3 August 20205 March 2016 El PSOE impone a Podemos la presencia de Ciudadanos en todas las mesas de negociación https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-ciudadanos-encuentros-pedro-sanchez_1_4122413.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 whereas Podemos and IU rejected resuming talks with the PSOE as long as its deal with C's was maintained.Sánchez Castrillo Álvaro 6 March 2016 IU rechaza cualquier acuerdo con el PSOE si C's está en la misma mesa https://www.infolibre.es/noticias/politica/2016/03/06/garzon_rechaza_cualquier_acuerdo_con_psoe_ciudadanos_esta_misma_mesa_45976_1012.html es infoLibre 3 August 2020Manetto Francesco 6 March 2016 Podemos rechazará una negociación conjunta con Sánchez y Rivera https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/06/actualidad/1457288305_298961.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 The PSOE increasingly saw any kind of agreement with Podemos as "nigh to impossible"—or even desirable—and began readying itself for the hypothesis of a new election.Cortizo Gonzalo 5 March 2016 El PSOE ve casi imposible el acuerdo con Podemos https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-rota-posibilidad-acuerdo-podemos_1_4118913.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 Previously on 5 March, Rajoy had staged what was regarded as his first pre-election rally, asking Sánchez to abstain and let his party govern "as the most-voted one", but acknowledging that the PSOE was unwilling to "come to terms" with him and that he had lost the key support from C's. As a result, political pundits started to point out that the PP was gearing up itself for a new election campaign.Junquera Natalia 5 March 2016 Rajoy pone al PP en campaña tras la investidura fallida de Sánchez https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/05/actualidad/1457174894_790891.html es El País Salamanca 3 August 2020 thumb|alt=King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia during the Princess of Asturias Awards|King Felipe VI rejected nominating a new prime ministerial candidate until a workable government proposal was presented to him. The PSOE suggested that they could withdraw their support from Podemos-held local councils as a way of pressure,Díez Anabel 6 March 2016 El PSOE presionará con dejar caer a los alcaldes de Podemos https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/06/actualidad/1457291864_864556.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 to which Iglesias replied that trying to threaten them was "the wrong way to go" and reminding the Socialists that they were also dependent on Podemos's support in several autonomous communities.EFE 7 March 2016 Pablo Iglesias advierte al PSOE de que amenazar con los ayuntamientos "es un mal camino" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/iglesias-amenaza-quitarnos-ayuntamientos-camino_1_4118875.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 Concurrently, Rajoy stated on 7 March that he would be calling Sánchez and Rivera to meet them and re-state his idea of a grand coalition.Casqueiro Javier 7 March 2016 Rajoy acepta reunirse conjuntamente con Sánchez y Rivera https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/07/actualidad/1457336934_457171.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 Two days later and pressured by C's, the PSOE agreed to hold a meeting with the PP—a change from their previous approach of refusing to sit down with the PP to negotiate anything—but announced that they would not negotiate the accord's contents and aimed for an unconditional PP's acceptance of them.Castro Irene 9 March 2016 El acuerdo PSOE-Ciudadanos aleja a Pedro Sánchez de la izquierda y le empuja a sentarse con el PP https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-ciudadanos-pedro-sanchez-izquierda-pp_1_4122333.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 As a result, the PP rejected the projected meeting over its unwillingness to consent to a PSOE–C's government.Mateo Juan José 16 March 2016 El PP rechaza la reunión con el PSOE que ofrece Ciudadanos https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/16/actualidad/1458113820_516369.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 Between 7 and 9 March, Podemos saw the resignations of several members in its Madrilenian regional branch,7 March 2016 Dimite el secretario de Organización de Podemos en la Comunidad de Madrid por "ausencia de dirección política" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/dimite-organizacion-podemos-comunidad-madrid_1_4117019.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020Riveiro Aitor 9 March 2016 Dimite el secretario de Organización de Podemos en la Comunidad de Madrid por "ausencia de dirección política" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/dimision-dirigentes-ahonda-podemos-madrid_1_4116005.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 amid accusations to the party's national leadership of exerting excessive power.Carvajal Álvaro Bécares Roberto 10 March 2016 Fractura total en Podemos Madrid tras la dimisión de 9 'errejonistas' https://www.elmundo.es/madrid/2016/03/09/56e0659922601dfc4e8b4602.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020 Podemos accused the PSOE of attempting to magnify their crisis to pressure them into supporting Sánchez,Manetto Francesco García de Blas Elsa 10 March 2016 Podemos asume la crisis interna y la cúpula pide unidad a sus bases https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/10/actualidad/1457640295_807126.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 but the situation aggravated on 15 March after Iglesias unilaterally dismissed Sergio Pascual—the party's organization secretary and close ally to the party's second-in-command Íñigo Errejón.Carvajal Álvaro 15 March 2016 Pablo Iglesias fulmina a Sergio Pascual, mano derecha de Errejón https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/03/15/56e8904b22601d160c8b466d.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020 Pascual's dismissal was justified by Iglesias over an alleged "lack of neutrality" in his territorial management,Manetto Francesco 9 April 2016 Iglesias cree que la gestión territorial de Sergio Pascual no fue neutral https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/09/actualidad/1460228390_610334.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 but the move forced Errejón out of public view for two weeks, leading many to speculate about an internal "purge" and a possible power struggle within Podemos between both leaders over the party's stance to Sánchez's investiture, which Errejón was said to favour in order to avoid a new election.Manetto Francesco 16 March 2016 El golpe de mano de Iglesias refuerza a los contrarios al pacto con el PSOE https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/16/actualidad/1458160223_930646.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020Carvajal Álvaro Bécares Roberto 17 March 2016 Íñigo Errejón se aleja de Pablo Iglesias por la purga en Podemos https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/03/17/56e9da4322601d676b8b460e.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020 After physicist Pablo Echenique was appointed as Pascual's replacement on 2 April,Riveiro Aitor 2 April 2016 Podemos elige por unanimidad a Pablo Echenique como nuevo secretario de Organización https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pablo-echenique-organizacion-podemos-unanimidad_1_4075747.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 and with Errejón reappearing on 29 March to explain that—despite existing differences—his allegiance to Podemos's project and Iglesias was total, the crisis seemed to alleviate.Riveiro Aitor 29 March 2016 Iñigo Errejón: "No comparto el cese de Sergio Pascual, pero Iglesias sigue siendo mi secretario general" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/inigo-errejon-regreso_1_4086697.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 The dormant rebellion within the PSOE resumed after Sánchez failed investiture. Some sectors within the party favourable to Sánchez sought to delay the congress that had been scheduled for 8 May as Susana Díaz had allegedly confessed to her close aides that she was determined to dispute the party's leadership.Ruiz Sierra Juan 22 March 2016 Susana Díaz prepara el asalto a la dirección del PSOE https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160322/diaz-prepara-asalto-liderazgo-psoe-pedro-sanchez-congreso-psoe-4998355 es El Periódico de Catalunya 3 August 2020 As party members—including Díaz herself—did not see it as desirable to open the issue of succession amid ongoing inter-party negotiations and with a new election looming for 26 June, as decision was taken on 2 April to indefinitely delay the leadership race "until the formation of a new government".Marcos José 28 March 2016 El retraso del congreso del PSOE aplaza el pulso entre Sánchez y Díaz https://elpais.com/politica/2016/03/28/actualidad/1459160979_153836.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020Europa Press 2 April 2016 El PSOE acuerda por unanimidad aplazar su 39 Congreso hasta que se forme Gobierno https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-unanimidad-aplazar-congreso-gobierno_1_4076720.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 New round of negotiations Podemos sought to avoid being singled out as responsible for the triggering of a new election by adopting a strategy of rapprochement and reconciliation with the PSOE, with a brief meeting with Sánchez on 30 March leading Iglesias to announce that he was willing to give up the post of deputy prime minister in any prospective PSOE–Podemos coalition government as a way to ease relations between the two parties.Uría Ibon 30 March 2016 PSOE y Podemos acuerdan "seguir hablando" e Iglesias acepta no ser vicepresidente https://www.infolibre.es/noticias/politica/2016/03/30/reunion_sanchez_iglesias_47024_1012.html es infoLibre 3 August 2020 Podemos also accepted three-way talks with C's, although the PSOE and Podemos still differed on their visions of the role that Rivera's party should be playing: Podemos still refused to enter or support any government in which C's was directly involved but accepted that they could work together on specific issues, whereas the PSOE maintained its wish for a "broad spectrum government" with the support of all three parties, although without clarifying what kind of government was being sought or which ones of the parties would be part of it.28 March 2016 Pedro Sánchez: "Pablo Iglesias ha dicho sí a una negociación con PSOE y Ciudadanos" https://www.publico.es/politica/pedro-sanchez-iglesias-dicho-negociacion.html es Público Madrid 3 August 2020 The three parties agreed to hold a meeting on 7 April to start talks.28 March 2016 La reunión entre PSOE, Podemos y Ciudadanos será este jueves https://cadenaser.com/ser/2016/04/05/politica/1459840069_842157.html es Cadena SER Madrid 3 August 2020 In the run up to the three-way meeting, C's repeatedly warned that it would terminate its alliance with the PSOE if the latter tried to negotiate with Podemos on its own.Alonso Mariano 28 March 2016 Ciudadanos romperá con el PSOE si Sánchez abre otra negociación con Iglesias https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/2016-03-28/ciudadanos-rompera-con-el-psoe-si-sanchez-abre-otra-negociacion-con-iglesias-1276570669/ es Libertad Digital 3 August 2020 Further, the former was seen as distancing itself from the PSOE after abstaining during a parliamentary voting on 5 April involving the paralyzation of the enforcement of Rajoy's education law (the LOMCE), a key issue which had been included within the PSOE–C's agreement.R. Sanmartín Olga Hernández Marisol 6 April 2016 Ciudadanos se aleja del PSOE en la votación contra la Lomce https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/04/06/5704244922601d42488b4614.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020 This had seen Pablo Iglesias highlighting the similarities between his party's programme and that of the PSOE while commenting that the two parties' differences with C's made any prospective three-way alliance very difficult.Álvarez Pilar Garea Fernando 5 April 2016 El PSOE y Ciudadanos chocan en la paralización de la LOMCE https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/05/actualidad/1459881747_436656.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020Europa Press 5 April 2016 Pablo Iglesias subraya la coincidencia de PSOE y Podemos sobre la LOMCE mientras Ciudadanos se ha abstenido es https://www.eldiario.es/politica/iglesias-psoe-podemos-lomce-ciudadanos_1_4067726.html eldiario.es 3 August 2020 On the day before the meeting, a harsh confrontation between Iglesias and Rivera during a Congress plenary—in which the former told the latter that "it is difficult to agree a progressive government with intolerant people"—evidenced the tense relationship existing between their two parties.De Diego Sara 6 April 2016 Duros reproches entre Iglesias y Rivera a 24 horas de la reunión: "Son unos intolerantes" https://www.elconfidencial.com/elecciones-generales/2016-04-06/pablo-iglesias-albert-rivera-sesion-congreso-refugiados-financiacion-podemos_1179482/ es El Confidencial 3 August 2020 On 5 April, C's demanded being given cabinet posts within a PSOE-led government—the first time it did so—and demanded an unconditional Podemos's support to it, in a move seen as a provocation to the latter so that they rejected any agreement with them.Piña Raúl 5 April 2016 Albert Rivera sólo aceptará que Podemos vote 'sí' al acuerdo de PSOE y Ciudadanos https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/04/05/5702ddf722601d3b768b4649.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020Piña Raúl 6 April 2016 Ciudadanos arruina el plan de Pedro Sánchez con Podemos https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/04/06/57041a5b268e3e356a8b4648.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020Uría Ibon 7 April 2016 Podemos y Ciudadanos se alejan aún más, horas antes de empezar la negociación a tres con el PSOE https://www.infolibre.es/noticias/politica/2016/04/07/podemos_ciudadanos_distancian_negociacion_tres_47410_1012.html es infoLibre 3 August 2020 thumb|left|alt=Angela Merkel and SPD leaders signing the 2013 grand coalition deal|Following the failure of three-way negotiations between PSOE, Podemos and C's, Rajoy insisted on his proposal of a PP–PSOE grand coalition mirroring the German model. Negotiations came to a standstill after the three-way meeting on 7 April, as PSOE and C's unsuccessfully tried to persuade Podemos to subscribe their accord.Uría Ibon 7 April 2016 Las negociaciones entran en vía muerta tras la primera reunión entre PSOE, Podemos y Ciudadanos https://www.infolibre.es/noticias/politica/2016/04/08/negociaciones_via_muerta_tras_reunion_tres_47568_1012.html es infoLibre 3 August 20207 April 2016 Las 20 cesiones que Podemos ha ofrecido a PSOE y Ciudadanos en su reunión 'a tres' https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-20-cesiones-podemos-ofrecido-psoe-ciudadanos-reunion-tres-20160407212947.html es Europa Press 3 August 2020 C's stated that forming a pact with Podemos was "impossible and unworkable", while the PSOE said that they would not be renouncing their alliance with Rivera's party, pointing to the differences between Podemos and C's as the main obstacle for reaching an agreement.Castro Irene Riveiro Aitor 7 April 2016 Ciudadanos dice que el acuerdo con Podemos es "imposible e inviable" tras la reunión a tres https://www.eldiario.es/politica/reunion-psoe-podemos-ciudadanos_1_4067249.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020Díaz J. 7 April 2016 Fracasa la reunión a tres por las diferencias entre C's y Podemos https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2016/04/07/570695cc268e3ee2258b4587.html es Expansión Madrid 3 August 2020 The next day, Pablo Iglesias revealed that it had been C's the one refusing the concessions that Podemos had made in the meeting and that they had been unwilling to accept any kind of involvement from Podemos in any prospective government, also adding that Sánchez had been effectively "kidnapped" by Rivera's party and was unable to negotiate on his own. As a result, Iglesias announced that the PSOE–C's pact would be put to a vote among Podemos's membership on 14–16 April.Mármol Iolanda 8 April 2016 Iglesias consultará a sus bases la semana que viene si acepta el pacto Rivera-Sánchez https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160408/iglesias-cesiones-negociacion-psoe-ciudadanos-acuerdo-gobierno-5037946 es El Periódico de Catalunya 3 August 2020 Subsequently, on 11 April, the PSOE put down any further talks with Podemos on the grounds of a "mistrust" on Iglesias, not seeing any chances for a successful agreement to be reached.Cuéllar Carlos 11 April 2016 El PSOE, a Podemos: "El tiempo de las ofertas se ha acabado. Iglesias no es de fiar" es https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160411/oscar-lopez-psoe-pablo-iglesias-5044180 El Periódico de Catalunya Barcelona 3 August 2020 Commentators noted in the wake of the three-way negotiation failure that a PP–PSOE grand coalition was the only viable—even if highly unlikely—option left.Barrena Xabi 9 April 2016 El acuerdo PP-PSOE se erige como la única e improbable opción https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160409/acuerdo-partido-popular-psoe-erige-como-unica-improbable-opcion-pacto-investidura-5041245 es El Periódico de Catalunya 3 August 2020 Rajoy insisted on his proposal of a coalition based on the existing German model to be led by himself while again rejecting the PSOE–C's accord.Montesinos Pablo 9 April 2016 Rajoy está "encantado" con la situación: se ofrece a Sánchez si rectifica y ningunea a Rivera https://www.libertaddigital.com/espana/politica/2016-04-09/rajoy-esta-encantado-ante-el-escenario-se-ofrece-a-sanchez-si-rectifica-y-ningunea-a-rivera-1276571593/ es Libertad Digital Barcelona 3 August 2020Martín Plaza Ana 26 April 2016 Rajoy insiste en la gran coalición y pide al PSOE que "corrija" su negativa a hablar con el PP tras las elecciones https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20160426/rajoy-creiamos-creemos-hoy-todavia-mejor-era-acuerdo-entre-pp-psoe/1345400.shtml es RTVE 3 August 2020 The PP also commented on C's arithmetic irrelevance, with contacts between both parties having remained cold-tempered following Rivera's alliance with the PSOE and the harsh Rajoy–Rivera debate during Sánchez's failed investiture.Junquera Natalia 9 April 2016 Rajoy insiste en la gran coalición, pero retrasa su llamada a Sánchez https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/09/actualidad/1460199920_490035.html es El País Barcelona 3 August 2020 Sánchez expressed a willingness in entering talks with the PP only for the latter to subscribe his pact with C's, stating that the PSOE would "never" support a PP-led government.Díez Anabel 8 April 2016 Sánchez se abre a hablar con el PP tras romper con Podemos https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/08/actualidad/1460139026_169634.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020EFE 9 April 2016 El PSOE asegura que alcanzará acuerdos de Estado con el PP pero "nunca" formará Gobierno https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/04/09/5708e989e2704e56308b45fb.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020 Sectors within the PP deflected making any offer until Sánchez's acceptance to enter into formal talks,Medialdea Sara 11 April 2016 El PP no se moverá hasta que el PSOE deje claro que acepta negociar con ellos https://www.abc.es/espana/abci-pp-no-movera-hasta-psoe-deje-claro-acepta-negociar-ellos-201604111339_noticia.html es ABC 3 August 2020 while hinting at him not being the best PSOE "interlocutor" and preferring another person to negotiate with Rajoy so as to "stop the recreation, theaters and games",Europa Press 10 April 2016 El PP pide al PSOE un interlocutor distinto a Pedro Sánchez para negociar un acuerdo de Gobierno https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pp-psoe-pedro-sanchez-gobierno_1_4060412.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 though it was said that Rajoy would have been willing to have Sánchez as his deputy in a grand coalition scenario.García-Abadillo Casimiro 11 April 2016 Rajoy ofrecerá a Pedro Sánchez la vicepresidencia en el Gobierno https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/04/11/570aa605e2704e60278b45e9.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020 On 11 April, PSOE's spokesperson Antonio Hernando replied to this that "Mr. Rajoy can save any offer for himself, if he had planned in making one".Díez Anabel 11 April 2016 El PSOE descarta a PP y Podemos, y da por hecho que habrá elecciones https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/11/actualidad/1460369416_224546.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 C's leaders congratulated themselves for "having thwarted a populist government in Spain"—in reference to Podemos's presence within any prospective cabinet—with Albert Rivera reiterating his idea of "an alliance between the main constitutionalist parties".11 April 2016 Rivera en COPE: "Hemos evitado un gobierno populista en España" https://www.cope.es/actualidad/noticias/hemos-evitado-gobierno-populista-espana-20160411_34334 es COPE 3 August 2020 C's started probing a possible pact with the PP, not discarding the possibility of supporting a candidate other than Rajoy, who—under Rivera's view—"was not able to lead a corruption and blackmail-free cabinet" because of his ties to disgraced PP members such as Luis Bárcenas or Rita Barberá—then under investigation for fraud and money laundering.Martín Patricia 11 April 2016 Rivera insiste en "explorar" un pacto con el PP para el que cree que hay "mimbres" https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160411/rivera-ciudadanos-investidura-acuerdo-pp-psoe-5043896 es El Periódico de Catalunya 3 August 2020 He also warned that his agreement with the PSOE would be "void" in the event of a new election being triggered.Agencias Izarra Josean 11 April 2016 Albert Rivera: "El pacto con el PSOE decae si hay nuevas elecciones" https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/04/11/570b51b6268e3e130d8b457f.html es El Mundo Madrid / San Sebastián 3 August 2020 Final positions Felipe VI had announced a new and final round of consultations for 25–26 April to check whether a candidate would be able to muster enough support to be elected. If no nominee emerged, then he would let the deadline expire on 2 May, dissolve the Cortes Generales and call a fresh election for 26 June.Alberola Miquel 12 April 2016 El Rey hará otra ronda de consultas el 25 y 26 de abril https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/12/actualidad/1460450849_302458.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 Concurrently, Podemos leaders hoped to use the membership vote on the PSOE—C's pact as a way to pressure the PSOE into coming to terms with them,García Fernando 15 April 2016 Podemos utiliza su consulta como órdago final para presionar al PSOE https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160415/401115363650/podemos-utiliza-consulta-ordago-presionar-psoe.html es La Vanguardia Madrid 3 August 2020 with the unexpectedly high turnout attracting media attention as it exceeded the one in the PSOE's 27 February vote.Europa Press 15 April 2016 La participación en la consulta de Podemos ya supera a la que registró el PSOE al preguntar a sus bases https://www.eldiario.es/politica/participacion-consulta-podemos-psoe-preguntar_1_4052859.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020Colpisa 15 April 2016 La consulta de Podemos supera en votos a la del PSOE antes de cerrarse https://www.diariodenavarra.es/noticias/actualidad/nacional/2016/04/15/la_consulta_podemos_supera_votos_del_psoe_dia_antes_cerrarse_448270_1031.html es Diario de Navarra Madrid 3 August 202015 April 2016 Casi 150.000 personas han votado en la consulta de Podemos https://www.publico.es/politica/mas-113-000-personas-votan.html es Público Madrid 3 August 2020 The vote saw a rejection of the PSOE–C's accord with an 88–12% result and a support to a PSOE–Podemos–Compromís–IU alliance by 92% to 8%.Manetto Francesco 18 April 2016 Consulta en Podemos: el 88% de las bases rechaza el pacto entre Sánchez y Rivera https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/18/actualidad/1460963807_744682.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 91.79 8.21 72.96 11.77 88.23 72.96 + 14–16 April Podemos membership vote Question 1: "Do you want a government based onthe pact between Rivera and Sánchez?" Question 2: "Do you agree with the proposal for agovernment of change put forward by Podemos,En Comú and En Marea?" Choice Votes % Choice Votes % Yes 17,542 11.77 15 Yes 136,291 91.79 15 No 131,561 88.23 No 12,184 8.21 Valid votes 149,103 99.77 Valid votes 148,475 99.35 Invalid or blank votes 341 0.23 Invalid or blank votes 969 0.64 Total votes 149,444 100.00 Total votes 149,444 100.00 Active voters and turnout 204,844 72.96 Active voters and turnout 204,844 72.96 Total census and turnout 393,538 37.97 Total census and turnout 393,538 37.97 Source16 April 2016 https://podemos.info/resultados-de-la-votacion-sobre-el-gobierno-de-espana/ Resultados de la votación sobre el Gobierno de España es Podemos 3 August 2020 Note: "Total census" refers to the total number of party members called for voting. "Active registered voters" refers to those party members being active in Podemos's webpage throughout the year previous to the vote, but including those within the total census that have shown any activity up until 16 April, 23:59 CET. The landslide result of the vote put down any option for an in extremis agreement, as it showed that neither PSOE nor Podemos were willing to yield to the other's demands.Mármol Iolanda Ruiz Sierra Juan 18 April 2016 La consulta de Podemos quiebra las opciones de un pacto in extremis https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160418/las-bases-de-podemos-apoyan-el-no-a-sanchez-5063093 es El Periódico de Catalunya 3 August 2020 On 21 April, C's leader Albert Rivera called for PP and PSOE leaders to step back and support an independent candidate as prime minister,Mateo Juan José 21 April 2016 Rivera propone superar el bloqueo con un candidato independiente https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/21/actualidad/1461222835_946931.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 to which Rajoy replied that Rivera "should do it himself first"—stepping back—while revealing that he would inform the King on his own lack of support because of Sánchez rejection of his grand coalition proposal.21 April 2016 Rajoy volverá a decir al rey que no tiene los votos para ser presidente https://www.eldiario.es/politica/rajoy-volvera-decir-votos-presidente_1_4043015.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020Hernández Marisol Cruz Marisa 21 April 2016 Rajoy le dirá al Rey que no tiene apoyos porque "Sánchez no quiere" https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/04/21/57188210e5fdeadb5a8b4629.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020 On 22 April, economy minister Luis de Guindos was recorded as saying to Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem that a new election was all but certain, with the PP hoping that a similar result to December would see "common sense" prevailing and the PSOE reluctantly agreeing to an alliance with them after the summer.Alcaraz Mayte 10 April 2016 Rajoy cree que, si hay elecciones, habrá una gran coalición en septiembre con PSOE y Ciudadanos https://www.abc.es/espana/abci-rajoy-cree-si-elecciones-habra-gran-coalicion-septiembre-psoe-y-ciudadanos-201604100433_noticia.html es ABC Madrid 3 August 2020Rodríguez Suanzes Pablo 22 April 2016 De Guindos a Dijsselbloem: 'Vamos a elecciones' https://www.elmundo.es/economia/2016/04/22/5719ede8e5fdeaac628b456e.html es El Mundo Amsterdam 3 August 2020 Two days later, Rajoy remarked that his party was "ready" for a new electoral campaign and blamed both PSOE and C's for the election repetition, accusing both of "having made [any agreement] impossible".Junquera Natalia 22 April 2016 Rajoy escoge su lema de campaña: "Ciudadanos se entregó al PSOE" https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/24/actualidad/1461492318_190948.html es El País Córdoba 3 August 2020 On 25 April, the King's round of consultations turned into a mere formality to certify the failure in negotiations and the triggering of a new election for 26 June.Alberola Miquel 25 April 2016 El Rey afronta la ronda de la impotencia https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/24/actualidad/1461510468_721027.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 Congress speaker Patxi López had the Cortes's dissolution protocols prepared already from the day the King announced the final round of consultations on 12 April, with the dissolution decree having been prepared since at least three days before such round.Mármol Iolanda 12 April 2016 Patxi López activa el protocolo para disolver el Parlamento ante la posibilidad de elecciones https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160412/patxi-lopez-activa-el-protocolo-para-disolver-el-parlamento-ante-la-posibilidad-de-elecciones-5047438 es El Periódico de Catalunya 3 August 202022 April 2016 El Congreso y el Gobierno preparan ya el decreto de convocatoria del 26J https://www.efe.com/efe/espana/politica/el-congreso-y-gobierno-preparan-ya-decreto-de-convocatoria-del-26j/10002-2904808 es EFE Madrid 3 August 2020 Last effort and deadline On 26 April, Compromís made a last-ditch effort to force left-wing parties into coming to terms, sending PSOE, Podemos and IU a proposal comprising 30-condition agreement "reviewable every six months".26 April 2016 Terrassa Rodrigo Las 30 medidas que propone Compromís en el 'Acuerdo del Prado' https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/04/26/571f3ee9e5fdeace3e8b4615.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 August 2020 The PSOE accepted most of the points but turned down the idea of a coalition, suggesting instead a two-year cabinet headed by Sánchez and including independent members.Díez Anabel Marcos José Mateo Juan José 26 April 2016 El PSOE ofrece que Sánchez gobierne dos años con independientes https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/26/actualidad/1461665870_785582.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 Compromís leader Mónica Oltra—one of the main promoters of the agreement—replied to the PSOE that their counter-offer was "insulting" because of attempting to buy them into supporting a minority Sánchez cabinet "having just 90 deputies", despite her party having offered "a perfectly-acceptable deal" to "all parties committed to change".EFE 26 April 2016 Oltra, sobre la contrapropuesta del PSOE: "¿De qué van?" https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/04/26/571f3f5ae2704ecb138b45f9.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 Sánchez conceded that he would not be running for investiture under these conditions and acknowledged that Spain was "doomed to a new election", while putting the blame for it on both PP and Podemos.26 April 2016 Castro Irene Pedro Sánchez: "Estamos abocados a nuevas elecciones" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pedro-sanchez-abocados-nuevas-elecciones_1_4033909.html es eldiario.es 3 August 2020 Pablo Iglesias said that he would have accepted Compromís's offer and that his party had made "enough concessions already", blaming Sánchez for his "unwillingness to negotiate".Manetto Francesco 26 April 2016 Iglesias culpa a Sánchez: "Es triste que haya dicho que no a Compromís" https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/26/actualidad/1461656942_987915.html es El País Madrid 3 August 2020 Rajoy argued that it was better to have a new election rather than seeing any of Sánchez's government attempts succeed.26 April 2016 Rajoy dice que es mejor repetir elecciones que los gobiernos que ha intentado Sánchez https://www.europapress.es/nacional/noticia-rajoy-dice-mejor-repetir-elecciones-gobiernos-intentado-sanchez-20160426200009.html es Europa Press Madrid 3 August 2020 Rivera commented on the proposal that he would not get his party "into last-hour trouble", and that "a three page-long agreement for a four-year government" that was to be formed "by six different parties" was "not even worth looking at".Burgen Stephen 26 April 2016 Spain faces new elections in June after parties fail to form a government https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/26/spain-faces-new-elections-june-parties-fail-to-form-government The Guardian Barcelona 2 August 2020 Later that day, Patxi López announced that the King would not be nominating anyone, thus confirming that the Cortes Generales would be dissolved on 2 May.Arberola Miquel 26 April 2016 El Rey no propone a ningún candidato y aboca a nuevas elecciones en junio https://elpais.com/politica/2016/04/26/actualidad/1461689973_619104.html es El País Madrid 2 August 2020 On 30 April, C's announced that its alliance with the PSOE expired as a result of a new election being called.Ellakuría Iñaki 30 April 2016 Rivera da por caducado tanto su acuerdo con el PSOE como a Rajoy https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160430/401463877182/rivera-da-por-caducado-tanto-su-acuerdo-con-el-psoe-como-a-rajoy.html es La Vanguardia Barcelona 3 August 2020 As a result, some within the PSOE—such as Aragonese president Javier Lambán—urged the party to "abandon" the accord with C's on the eve of the new election once it had proven to be fruitless and counterproductive.Agencias 30 April 2016 Lambán pide al PSOE "desentenderse rápidamente" del pacto con Ciudadanos y recuperar su programa https://www.heraldo.es/noticias/aragon/2016/04/30/lamban-pide-psoe-desentenderse-rapidamente-del-pacto-con-ciudadanos-recuperar-programa-845887-300.html es Heraldo de Aragón Madrid / Zaragoza 3 August 2020 The deadline was reached on 2 May, the 11th Legislature of Spain—the shortest in democracy—came to a close and the Cortes Generales were dissolved by the King the following day.Luna Victoria 2 May 2016 Adiós a la legislatura en la que casi todo ocurrió por primera vez https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2704899/0/legislatura/primeras/veces/ es 20 minutos 3 August 20202 May 2016 Hoy acaba la XI Legislatura del Congreso, la más breve de la historia https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2016/05/02/57270f97268e3e007f8b45e3.html es Expansión 3 August 2020Méndez Lucía 3 May 2016 El Rey disuelve las Cortes por primera vez en democracia https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/05/03/5727b1f2468aebda698b45a2.html es El Mundo Madrid 2 August 2020 Second formation round (June–October 2016) Post-2016 election developments Election aftermath thumb|alt=Seat distribution in the Congress of Deputies following the 26 June 2016 election|Congress of Deputies resulting from the 26 June 2016 general election. The June 2016 election resulted in a strengthened PP at the cost of all other national parties, with both the PSOE and C's losing ground—going down from a combined total of 130 seats to 117—and the newly formed Unidos Podemos alliance failing to materialize opinion polling's projections of a second-place score ahead of the PSOE, retaining the same 71 seats obtained by both Podemos and IU separately in December 2015. Overall, the PP's growth allowed for the PP–C's bloc to climb from 163 to 169 seats, whereas the PSOE–Podemos–IU bloc was reduced from 161 to 156; still both blocs remained short of an absolute majority, with the PSOE retaining the same kingmaker position as before.Garea Fernando 26 June 2016 El PP se refuerza y el bloque de izquierda se debilita https://elpais.com/politica/2016/06/26/actualidad/1466944221_203179.html es El País Madrid 5 August 2020Cruz Marisa 27 June 2016 Los españoles dan otra oportunidad a Mariano Rajoy https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/06/26/57700dcd22601d52438b457d.html es El Mundo Madrid 5 August 2020 Mariano Rajoy had expected to resume office and hoped that a government could be formed quickly, adding that "It would be nonsense to lose time for several more months".27 June 2016 https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36632276 Spanish election: PP wins most seats but deadlock remains BBC News 27 June 2016 In order to court them in, he made an offer for starting coalition negotiations with both PSOE and C's which the former rejected.Medialdea Sara 27 June 2016 Rajoy tiende la mano a PSOE y Ciudadanos para formar un "gobierno estable" es https://www.abc.es/elecciones/elecciones-generales/abci-rajoy-ofrece-para-dialogar-hablar-y-pactar-201606271459_noticia.html ABC Madrid 5 August 202027 June 2016 Spanish election: Socialists reject PP coalition offer https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36643344 BBC News 5 August 2020 With the PSOE in the opposition camp, a hypothetical PP and C's alliance would require the complicated support of regional parties,Jones Sam 27 June 2016 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/27/spanish-elections-mariano-rajoy-to-build-coalition-peoples-party Spanish elections: Mariano Rajoy struggles to build coalition The Guardian Madrid 2 August 2020 which C's leader Albert Rivera was unwilling to accept as he stressed that his preferred choice was forming a coalition government with both PP and PSOE without Rajoy at its helm.Díaz Paula 27 June 2016 Rivera: "No haré presidente a Rajoy" https://www.publico.es/politica/rivera-no-hare-presidente-rajoy.html es Público Madrid 5 August 2020Díaz Paula 4 July 2016 El PP se queda sólo en manos del PSOE para poder formar Gobierno https://www.publico.es/politica/pp-queda-manos-del-psoe.html es Público Madrid 5 August 2020 As this proposal went unheeded, Rivera acknowledged its failure on 4 July and added that his party would go into opposition, forcing the PP to seek out the PSOE's abstention in order to form a minority cabinet.EFE 4 July 2016 Rivera: "El PP gobernará en minoría con la abstención de PSOE y C's será oposición" https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160704/402959919280/albert-rivera-pp-minoria-abstencion-psoe.html es La Vanguardia Madrid 5 August 2020 The PSOE ruled out trying to lead government negotiations again and rejected an invitation from Unidos Podemos to do so,Castro Irene Riveiro Aitor 6 July 2016 Pedro Sánchez rechaza la invitación de Pablo Iglesias para que intente la investidura https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pedro-sanchez-pablo-iglesias-investidura_1_3912659.html es eldiario.es 5 August 2020 with some members instead favouring the party to abstain in Rajoy's investiture in exchange of a series of conditions, with the ultimate goal of preventing a third election in a row.Europa Press 3 July 2016 Josep Borrell defiende la abstención del PSOE si Rajoy no consigue apoyos para su investidura https://www.eldiario.es/politica/borrell-psoe-abstenga-investidura-rajoy_1_3918398.html es eldiario.es 5 August 2020 Among those supporting this was former prime minister Felipe González, who nonetheless rejected a grand coalition between both parties and stated that the PSOE had to "take its place as a responsible opposition" and focus on "rebuilding its own project as an alternative".7 July 2016 Felipe González pide al PSOE que no obstaculice un Gobierno en minoría de Rajoy https://www.eldiario.es/politica/felipe-gonzalez-psoe-rajoy-gobierno_1_3915933.html es eldiario.es 5 August 2020 The PSOE leadership disregarding González's statements stated that the party's stance would be to vote against Rajoy's investiture,Agencias Castro Irene 7 July 2016 El PSOE rechaza la propuesta de Felipe González de permitir que gobierne el PP https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-propuesta-felipe-gonzalez-pp_1_3914302.html es eldiario.es 5 August 2020 despite the PP having offered to reach a "minimum deal" to unlock the situation rather than a full-fledged accord.Hernández Marisol Cruz Marisa 4 July 2016 Rajoy ofrece un mini pacto a la espera de la decisión del PSOE https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/07/04/577ab9f6ca474186398b45c8.html es El Mundo Madrid 5 August 2020 First contacts thumb|alt=Mariano Rajoy and Pedro Sánchez in the Congress of Deputies|Mariano Rajoy and Pedro Sánchez in the constitutive meeting of the 12th Congress of Deputies on 19 July 2016. The PP immediately started probing political parties in search of support for Rajoy's investiture. CCa did not rule out supporting a Rajoy-led cabinet,Casqueiro Javier 5 July 2016 Coalición Canaria avanza que Rajoy aceptará esta vez el encargo del Rey https://elpais.com/politica/2016/07/05/actualidad/1467709034_424920.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020Díaz Paula 5 July 2016 CC acepta el "acuerdo de mínimos" de Rajoy y pide al resto de partidos que "cedan" para que haya Gobierno es https://www.publico.es/politica/cc-acepta-acuerdo-minimos-rajoy.html Público Madrid 6 August 2020 whereas the PNV demanded a number of conditions such as further devolution for the Basque Country, the recognition of Spain's national diversity and the rehabilitation and reintegration of ETA prisoners, moves which would have meant drastic changes in PP policy.Martín Daniel Segovia Mikel 4 July 2016 Urkullu urge a Rajoy a ceder prisiones en el plazo de un año y a ETA desaparecer en doce meses es https://www.elmundo.es/pais-vasco/2016/07/04/577a3ce746163f053d8b459c.html El Mundo Madrid / Bilbao 6 August 2020 After a meeting with Rajoy on 6 July to discuss this offer, PNV spokesperson Aitor Esteban claimed that they were both "absolutely away" and confirmed that his party would be voting against Rajoy unless a "change of attitude" was perceived.Casqueiro Javier Garea Fernando 6 July 2016 PNV y ERC dicen no al PP por su gestión y su idea de España https://elpais.com/politica/2016/07/06/actualidad/1467790482_027798.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 On 9 July, Sánchez announced that his party would be voting against Rajoy's investiture, asking the prime minister to look for a parliamentary majority without the PSOE.Díez Anabel Marcos José 9 July 2016 Sánchez pide a Rajoy que se trabaje una mayoría sin contar con el PSOE https://elpais.com/politica/2016/07/09/actualidad/1468050473_745450.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 Unidos Podemos sought to ease the chances for the formation of an alternative government to Rajoy and sought PSOE's support to it but this possibility was rejected by Sánchez, who preferred to go into opposition.Gil Andrés 10 July 2016 El bloqueo para la investidura se consolida dos semanas después del 26J https://www.eldiario.es/politica/bloqueo-investidura-consolida-semanas-despues_1_3909594.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020 Several PSOE leaders proposed that other parties participate in a "joint abstention" in Rajoy's investiture, appealing to the "collective responsibility of all parties" for the institutional impasse—with the goal of preventing a third general election but, at the same time, avoiding their party bearing the brunt of the responsibility for allowing Rajoy's electionCastro Irene 11 July 2016 La última propuesta para investir a Rajoy: una abstención repartida entre varios partidos http://www.eldiario.es/politica/propuesta-investir-Rajoy-abstencion-repartida_0_536146658.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020—but Unidos Podemos quickly dismissed this proposal as "cowardice".Riveiro Aitor 11 July 2016 Alberto Garzón considera una "cobardía" el pacto de abstención a Rajoy que plantean dirigentes socialistas https://www.eldiario.es/politica/alberto-garzon-abstencion-psoe-rajoy_1_3908208.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020 As Rajoy clashed with the PSOE's harsher-than-expected stance towards him, he scheduled a meeting with Sánchez for 13 July, where the former warned the Socialists that either they gave up and allowed a PP minority government or a third election would be the only way out.García B. González Y. 11 July 2016 El PP lo deja claro: o el PSOE cede o la única salida son unas terceras elecciones https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/elecciones-generales/2016/07/11/5783e4b2468aebd5738b45a2.html es Expansión Madrid 6 August 2020 Unidos Podemos and C's leaders Pablo Iglesias and Albert Rivera met Rajoy on 12 July as part of the latter's contacts with political parties. Rivera hinted at being willing to abstain in Rajoy's investiture—initially expected to be held at some point in late July or early August—as an attempt to pressure the PSOE into doing likewise and allowing for a government to be formed, in what was seen as a change in the party's main election pledge not to allow Rajoy to remain in office.Mateo Juan José Casqueiro Javier 12 July 2016 Rivera se inclina por abstenerse ante Rajoy para presionar al PSOE https://elpais.com/politica/2016/07/12/actualidad/1468346427_345480.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 The next day, C's confirmed its change of position and announced that it would be voting against Rajoy in the first ballot of investiture but would abstain in the second ballot, in which Rajoy would only require of a simple majority to be elected.Mateo Juan José 13 July 2016 Ciudadanos rectifica su compromiso electoral y se abstendrá en la segunda votación de investidura de Rajoy https://elpais.com/politica/2016/07/13/actualidad/1468394252_024192.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020Piña Raúl 13 July 2016 Rivera confirma su giro estratégico: abstención de Ciudadanos para facilitar a Rajoy la presidencia http://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/07/13/57860820268e3e6a248b460d.html es El Mundo Madrid 6 August 2020 On the other hand, Iglesias noted Rajoy on Podemos's political project incompatibility with that of the PP and that Rajoy should expect nothing but the frontal opposition of his party to the investiture, while once again urging Sánchez to take the initiative and try to form an alternative government himself as the PSOE had to choose "between Rajoy, a leftist alternative or a new election".Manetto Francesco Casqueiro Javier 12 July 2016 Iglesias: "Sánchez debe elegir entre Rajoy, una alternativa de izquierdas o elecciones" https://elpais.com/politica/2016/07/12/actualidad/1468308074_568783.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 On 18 July, PP and C's reached an agreement for electing the Congress bureau and having Patxi López replaced by development minister Ana Pastor as the Speaker, whereas Unidos Podemos planned to have En Comú Podem's spokesperson Xavier Domènech run for the post.Casqueiro Javier Garea Fernando 18 July 2016 PP y Ciudadanos pactan el control del Congreso presidido por Pastor es https://elpais.com/politica/2016/07/18/actualidad/1468857047_061424.html El País Madrid 6 August 2020 As a result, Pastor was elected as new president of the Congress in the second ballot, in which Unidos Podemos's deputies voted for López as a political gesture, and owing to the regionalist and nationalist parties in the chamber having chosen to cast blank ballots rather than supporting any one of the main candidates.Gil Andrés 19 July 2016 Ana Pastor logra la presidencia del Congreso con el apoyo de PP y Ciudadanos y el voto en blanco de nacionalistas vascos y catalanes https://www.eldiario.es/politica/ana-pastor-congreso-pp-ciudadanos_1_3898138.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020 Election of the President of the Congress of Deputies Ballot → 19 July 2016 19 July 2016 Required majority → 176 out of 350 Simple Ana Pastor (PP) 169 350 People's Party (Spain) 125px 15 169 350 People's Party (Spain) 125px 15 Patxi López (PSOE) 85 350 Spanish Socialist Workers' Party 125px 15 155 350 Spanish Socialist Workers' Party 125px 15 Xavier Domènech (ECP) 71 350 En Comú Podem 125px 15 colspan="2" Eliminated Francesc Homs (PDeCAT) 8 350 Catalan European Democratic Party 125px 15 colspan="2" Eliminated Blank ballots 17 350 lightgray 125px 25 350 lightgray 125px Invalid ballots 0 350 gray 125px 0 350 gray 125px Absentees 0 350 black 125px 1 350 black 125px SourcesLozano Carles https://www.historiaelectoral.com/e2016.html Elecciones Generales 26 de junio de 2016 es Historia Electoral.com 25 August 2025 The election of the Congress bureau—which was conducted through secret ballot—would see some controversy as a result of the composition designed by PP and Cs being supported by an additional 10 votes of unknown origin, which resulted in the PP's candidate for the Congress's third vice presidency, Rosa Romero, being elected over Podemos's candidate Gloria Elizo. As PSOE and Podemos had each voted for their own candidates without any missing ballots, both parties accused the PDeCAT and PNV from having surreptitiously lent their votes to the PP to ensure that Elizo was not elected.Sanz Luis Ángel Carvajal Álvaro Piña Raúl 19 July 2016 Diez diputados nacionalistas anónimos apoyan la Mesa diseñada por PP y Ciudadanos https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/07/19/578e255a468aebbb6a8b459b.html es El Mundo Madrid 6 August 2020 Candidate Mariano Rajoy (PP) Rajoy's acceptance thumb|alt=Mariano Rajoy giving a press conference in Moncloa palace|Mariano Rajoy after accepting the King's nomination on 28 July 2016. On 28 July, the King tasked Rajoy with forming a government, which the latter accepted without clarifying whether he would actually submit himself to an investiture vote.Alberola Miquel 28 July 2016 Mariano Rajoy acepta la investidura sin aclarar si se someterá a votación https://elpais.com/politica/2016/07/28/actualidad/1469714779_202348.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 The PSOE, PDeCAT and PNV, which were in the spotlight because of them being the likeliest arithmetical choices for allowing a minority PP government, announced their intention to oppose Rajoy's investiture.Díez Anabel 5 August 2016 La dirección del PSOE frena el debate sobre la investidura https://elpais.com/politica/2016/08/05/actualidad/1470384632_623327.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020Alberola Miquel Manetto Francesco 5 August 2016 Los nacionalistas cierran la puerta a cualquier negociación con Rajoy https://elpais.com/politica/2016/08/05/actualidad/1470411332_223574.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 C's leader Albert Rivera, who had initially shown an unwillingness to move from his party's position of abstaining,Europa Press 3 August 2016 Ciudadanos avanza que ninguna oferta de Rajoy hará cambiar su abstención https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160803/403659093805/ciudadanos-avanza-ninguna-oferta-rajoy-cambiar-abstencion.html es La Vanguardia Madrid 6 August 2020 announced on 9 August that he would be willing to consider negotiating a "Yes" in Rajoy's investiture in exchange of a number of conditions, one immediate—that a date was set for the investiture to take place—and other six that were to be enforced in the first three months of government, namely: that those accused of political corruption were separated from public offices, the approval of a legal reform removing immunities from public officers, electoral reform, the suppression of pardons in cases of political corruption, that a two-term limit was set for the prime minister and that a parliamentary committee was set up to investigate the ongoing PP corruption scandals.Cruz Marisa 9 August 2016 Albert Rivera fija seis condiciones para negociar el 'sí' a la investidura de Rajoy https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/08/09/57a9edb046163f85078b464b.html es El Mundo Madrid 6 August 2020Mateo Juan José 9 August 2016 Rivera pone seis condiciones al PP para negociar el 'sí' a la investidura de Rajoy https://elpais.com/politica/2016/08/09/actualidad/1470730007_572777.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 Earlier, PP officials had stated that they were willing to offer "anything" but Rajoy's permanence to C's in exchange for their support in the investiture and welcomed Rivera's new stance.EFE 9 August 2016 Maroto asegura que Rajoy está dispuesto a ofrecer "todo" a Rivera en su reunión de mañana https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/08/09/57a9900746163f910a8b4679.html es El Mundo Madrid 6 August 2020 Rajoy himself stated that his party would study Rivera's conditions and would give an answer after a meeting of the PP executive committee the following week.Sanchis Luz 10 August 2016 Rajoy sigue sin garantizar si se presentará a la investidura: "Ya veremos" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/rajoy-reunion-rivera_1_3870057.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020 On 17 August, Rajoy announced his willingness to hold negotiation talks with C's but initially ignored Rivera's conditions,Junquera Natalia 17 August 2016 Rajoy ignora el ultimátum y las condiciones de Rivera para negociar la investidura https://elpais.com/politica/2016/08/17/actualidad/1471422026_555265.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 instead scheduling a meeting between the two leaders the following day to discuss them.Mateo Juan José 17 August 2016 Rivera acepta una cita con Rajoy pese al silencio ante sus exigencias https://elpais.com/politica/2016/08/17/actualidad/1471433209_314601.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 This ultimately led to Rajoy accepting all seven conditions and in both parties agreeing to start negotiations,Junquera Natalia Mateo Juan José 18 August 2016 Rajoy acepta las siete exigencias de Rivera https://elpais.com/politica/2016/08/18/actualidad/1471504347_265622.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 but warning that even with the support of both of them and CCa—with whom the PP was maintaining talks—the 170 votes they would muster would still not be enough to overcome the predicted 180 negative votes from all other parties combined.20 August 2016 Rajoy avisa a PSOE y Podemos que "necesitarían" a los independentistas para gobernar https://www.europapress.es/galicia/noticia-rajoy-avisa-psoe-podemos-necesitarian-independentistas-gobernar-20160820141748.html es Europa Press Ribadumia (Pontevedra) 6 August 2020 The investiture debate was set to start on 30 August, with the first and second rounds of voting scheduled for 31 August and 2 September; this would mean that, in the event of Rajoy failing to secure the required support to be elected, the parliament's dissolution date would be automatically set for 31 October and a new election scheduled for Christmas Day, 25 December 2016.Junquera Natalia Mateo Juan José 18 August 2016 Rajoy irá a la investidura el 30 de agosto sin los votos garantizados https://elpais.com/politica/2016/08/18/actualidad/1471525691_263935.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020Piña Raúl 18 August 2016 Rajoy irá a la investidura el 30 de agosto y si fracasa las terceras elecciones serían el 25 de diciembre https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/08/18/57b59050e5fdea417d8b4585.html es El Mundo Madrid 6 August 2020 Both PP and C's tried to use the possibility of a third election as leverage to increase political pressure on Pedro Sánchez, calling for him to choose whether he wanted people to "go out to vote on 25 December" or to choose "a responsible abstention that allows government formation".S. E. 19 August 2016 Arrimadas no descarta el "sí" de Ciudadanos a Rajoy aunque los nacionalistas se abstengan https://www.abc.es/espana/abci-arrimadas-no-descarta-si-ciudadanos-rajoy-aunque-nacionalistas-abstengan-201608191138_noticia.html es ABC Madrid 6 August 2020 Negotiations and PP–C's pact Negotiations between the PP and C's started on 22 August with early advances on economic issues, but the PP's initial aim to try to persuade C's into a government coalition failed over the latter's reluctance, disagreements in labour affairs and the little time left before the investiture debate.Agencias 22 August 2016 El contrato único de Ciudadanos y la cuota de autónomos, principales escollos en la negociación con el PP https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20160822/negociaciones-pp-ciudadanos-investidura-rajoy/1389360.shtml es RTVE 6 August 2020Gil Iván 23 August 2016 PP y C's renuncian a gobernar juntos, limitándose a cerrar un pacto de mínimos https://www.elconfidencial.com/elecciones-generales/2016-08-23/negociaciones-pp-ciudadanos-investidura-rajoy_1249987/ es El Confidencial 23 August 2016 C's came under criticism after it transpired that the party had accepted redefining the crime of political corruption by limiting it to cases of illegal personal enrichment or irregular funding, in what was seen as a major concession from Rivera's party at a time when many PP members were involved in a number of corruption scandals and the party itself was placed under judicial investigation.Castro Irene 23 August 2016 Ciudadanos y el PP redefinen el delito de corrupción política en las negociaciones de investidura https://www.eldiario.es/politica/anticorrupcion-ciudadanos-pp-chaves-grinan_1_3861710.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020 On 24 August, C's members recognized that negotiations were tough and that they were "worried" in what they perceived as "a lack of political will [from the PP] to undertake reforms".Europa Press 24 August 2016 Ciudadanos, "preocupado" ante los reiterados noes del PP en las negociaciones https://www.huffingtonpost.es/2016/08/24/reunion-ciudadanos-pp-inv_n_11680294.html es El Huffington Post 6 August 2020 The next day, C's announced a 48-hour ultimatum to the PP for an agreement to be reached as negotiations had come to a standstill, demanding the PP commit itself to specific reforms and to clarify spending figures.Piña Raúl 25 August 2016 Ciudadanos escenifica un ultimátum de 48 horas al PP para firmar un acuerdo de investidura https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/08/25/57bf2de4ca47419b1c8b4623.html es El Mundo Madrid 6 August 2020 From that point, negotiations between the two parties resumed, even if "insufficient at times" according to C's.Europa Press 26 August 2016 Ciudadanos admite avances en la negociación con el PP pero cree que son insuficientes https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/espana/2016/08/26/ciudadanos-admite-avances-cree-insuficientes-ve-imposible-cerrar-hoy-acuerdo-pp/00031472219415203337763.htm es La Voz de Galicia 6 August 2020 On 28 August, a deal was struck between PP and C's,Carvajal Álvaro 28 August 2016 Rajoy y Rivera sellan un pacto que arrebata banderas al PSOE https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/08/28/57c20b63468aebeb568b4610.html es El Mundo Madrid 6 August 2020 with separate negotiations between PP and CCa also leading to the latter to support Rajoy's investiture.EFE 28 August 2016 Coalición Canaria dará el sí a la investidura de Mariano Rajoy https://www.eldiario.es/canariasahora/politica/cc-pp-nacionalistas-investidura-rajoy_1_3858144.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020 The PP–C's accord contained 150 programmatic measures to be applied on the condition that Rajoy was re-elected as prime minister, which included a number of social measures (such as the equalization and extension of parental leaves, a guaranteed salary commitment for families with lower incomes, increased spending on Education, Health and Dependency and a €5.68 billion plan against child poverty); recovery of lost money through the 2012 fiscal amnesty by raising the tax payment from the final 3% to the initially scheduled 10%—resulting in a predicted gain worth €2.8 billion; a new labour reform providing for three types of contracts (one indefinite, one "of increasing protection" for coverage of fixed-term jobs and another for employees "in training"); depoliticization of the judiciary through the direct election of 12 out of 20 members in the CGPJ by judges and magistrates; reduction of spending for provincial deputations and the Senate; an unspecified reform of the electoral municipal law to directly elect mayors; a number of compromises on taxes (such as not raising PIT, a lowering of culture VAT limited to live entertainment, a reform of the corporate tax to remove deductions to large companies and removal of the "Sun Tax", applied to systems that used batteries to store the sun's power).28 August 2016 Las claves del pacto de Rajoy y Rivera para "mejorar España" https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/08/28/57c2b8c2268e3ebe3f8b465b.html es El Mundo Madrid 6 August 2020Agencias 28 August 2016 Las claves del acuerdo de investidura de 150 puntos entre PP y Ciudadanos http://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2825265/0/claves-acuerdo-investidura-puntos-pp-ciudadanos/ es 20 minutos 6 August 202028 August 2016 Impuestos, infancia y empleo: las claves económicas del pacto de PP y Ciudadanos http://cincodias.com/cincodias/2016/08/28/economia/1472403013_303369.html es Cinco Días Madrid 6 August 2020 The accord also included 100 proposals that had been present in the defunct PSOE–C's deal in an attempt to court the Socialists into allowing the investiture to pass,Junquera Natalia García de Blas Elsa 28 August 2016 Rajoy y Rivera incluyen en su pacto 100 medidas para atraer a Sánchez https://elpais.com/politica/2016/08/28/actualidad/1472369222_788516.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 but this was to be of little avail as Sánchez's stance remained unchanged.Marcos José 29 August 2016 Sánchez recibe con indiferencia el pacto y no variará la posición del PSOE https://elpais.com/politica/2016/08/28/actualidad/1472411003_062305.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 Podemos criticized the accord and accused Rivera of "selling himself out for free" to Rajoy, claiming the PP was using C's "like chewing gum to plug their holes".Europa Press 29 August 2016 Podemos cree que PP usa a Ciudadanos "como un chicle para tapar agujeros" y critica el 'sí' "gratis" de Rivera a Rajoy https://www.eldiario.es/politica/podemos-pp-ciudadanos-rivera-rajoy_1_3856684.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020 On the other hand, the PNV assured their stance would remain opposite to Rajoy's election, both before and after the Basque regional election scheduled for 25 September;Alonso José Mari 23 August 2016 El PNV cierra la puerta a Rajoy con un "no innegociable" antes y después del 25-S https://www.elconfidencial.com/espana/pais-vasco/2016-08-23/pnv-rajoy-investidura-elecciones-pais-vasco_1250002/ es El Confidencial Vitoria 6 August 2020 whereas the PDeCAT saw the signed accord as "anti-Catalan" and maintained its opposition as well, noting to both PP and C's that they still lacked the votes to pass the investiture.28 August 2016 Homs (PDC) ve "anticatalanista" el acuerdo entre PP y C's y recuerda que faltan apoyos https://www.europapress.es/catalunya/noticia-homs-pdc-ve-anticatalanista-acuerdo-pp-cs-recuerda-faltan-apoyos-20160828191322.html es Europa Press Barcelona 6 August 2020 Rajoy stated that he would "keep trying" despite acknowledging that the ultimate choice on whether he would end up becoming prime minister was dependent on the PSOE.29 August 2016 Mariano Rajoy lo intentará tras su fallida primera investidura: "El PSOE tiene la llave" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/mariano-rajoy-pedro-sanchez-ire_1_3854735.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020 Second investiture attempt thumb|alt=Mariano Rajoy seated in the Congress of Deputies|Mariano Rajoy during the second day of debate on his investiture on 31 August 2016. Mariano Rajoy's investiture debate started on 30 August at 16:00 CEST (UTC+2) with Rajoy's speech, to be followed the next day by the replies of all other parties and the first round of voting; if necessary, a second and final round was scheduled for 2 September.EFE 30 August 2016 Así transcurrirá el debate de investidura de Mariano Rajoy durante la semana es https://www.antena3.com/noticias/espana/asi-transcurrira-debate-investidura-mariano-rajoy-semana_2016082957c46edd0cf28cf698b242a7.html Antena 3 Madrid 6 August 2020 Sánchez kept his opposition to allowing the PP into government in a debate which, nonetheless, revolved on the ongoing discussions within the PSOE on what its stance would be following Rajoy's failed investiture attempt.Europa Press 30 August 2016 La 'brecha' del PSOE, también entre sus diputados: varios de ellos piden un debate tras el 'no' a Rajoy https://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/politica-eD/noticias/7792285/08/16/La-brecha-del-PSOE-tambien-entre-sus-diputados-varios-de-ellos-piden-un-debate-tras-el-no-a-Rajoy.html es El Economista 6 August 2020Garea Fernando 31 August 2016 El debate anticipa la imposibilidad de una investidura próxima https://elpais.com/politica/2016/08/31/actualidad/1472626270_106141.html es El País Madrid 6 August 2020 In a reversal of the roles in Sánchez's failed investiture in March, the PSOE leader wanted to convey a harsh stance to Rajoy's election by assuring he would never allow it to happen, without clarifying whether he would try to explore an alternative himself.Piña Raúl Hernández Marisol 31 August 2016 Pedro Sánchez rompe todos los puentes con Rajoy sin aclarar si presentará una alternativa https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/08/31/57c5c172e5fdea465f8b4629.html es El Mundo Madrid 6 August 2020 Rajoy mockingly undervalued Sánchez's reasons to vote against him before asking Sánchez to just "let him govern", dismissing any possible alternative government to his as unworkable.EFE 31 August 2016 Rajoy a Sánchez: "Ya he entendido todas las partes del no" https://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/politica-eD/noticias/7794639/08/16/Rajoy-a-Sanchez-Ya-he-entendido-todas-las-partes-del-no.html es El Economista 6 August 2020 Pablo Iglesias called out for Sánchez to "make up his mind" and to agree on exploring a joint government "despite the enormous differences, grievances and mutual mistrust between the PSOE and Podemos", as Podemos would be "a trustworthy partner against the PP"—pointing out to C's having abandoned him to support RajoySánchez Rosa María 31 August 2016 Pablo Iglesias, a Rajoy: "Ustedes son la corrupción" http://www.elperiodico.com/es/noticias/politica/pablo-iglesias-debate-investidura-rajoy-5352633 es El Periódico de Catalunya Madrid 6 August 2020Carvajal Álvaro Hernández Marisol 31 August 2016 Pablo Iglesias urge a Pedro Sánchez a intentar una alternativa: "Somos de fiar contra el PP" https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/08/31/57c698c7268e3e5e3d8b4596.html es El Mundo Madrid 6 August 2020—but also told him that "if [his] personal bet is on a third election, [he] should openly say so".Riveiro Aitor 31 August 2016 Pablo Iglesias, a Mariano Rajoy: "Nadie duda de que nosotros estaremos frente a ustedes" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pablo-iglesias-mariano-rajoy-nadie_1_3856255.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020 Albert Rivera defended his pact out of the convenience to unlock the parliamentary deadlock while warning Rajoy that his party "still did not trust him", but that it would rather "demand, enforce and oversee the doings of those who have to govern" and called out for Sánchez to not being an obstacle for the country's governability, inviting him to "enforce laws from opposition".Piña Raúl Hernández Marisol 31 August 2016 Rivera le recuerda a Rajoy que no se fía de él e invita a Sánchez a legislar juntos en la oposición https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/08/31/57c6af0a268e3e46438b4670.html es El Mundo Madrid 6 August 2020 Neither Rivera nor Rajoy did an enthusiastic defense of their accord—with the latter even claiming that it would not "go down in history"—rather defending it out of the need to have a fully functional government as soon as possible.Cortizo Gonzalo 31 August 2016 Rajoy y Rivera fracasan en su intento de convencer a Pedro Sánchez https://www.eldiario.es/politica/rajoy-rivera-fracasan-pedro-sanchez_1_3855457.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020Sanchis Luz 31 August 2016 Rajoy reconoce: "El señor Rivera y yo no pasaremos a la historia por nuestro acuerdo" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/rajoy-reconoce-rivera-historia-acuerdo_1_3856736.html es eldiario.es 6 August 2020 InvestitureCongress of DeputiesNomination of Mariano Rajoy (PP) Ballot → 31 August 2016 2 September 2016 Required majority → 176 out of 350 15 Simple 15 Yes • PP (134) • C's (32) • UPN (2) • CCa (1) • FAC (1) 170 350 green 125px 170 350 green 125px No • PSOE (84) • UP–ECP–EM (67) • ERC (9) • PDeCAT (8) • PNV (5) • Compromís (4) • EH Bildu (2) • NCa (1) 180 350 red 125px 180 350 red 125px Abstentions 0 350 gray 125px 0 350 gray 125px Absentees 0 350 black 125px 0 350 black 125px Sources With 170 votes in favour and 180 against, Rajoy became the first caretaker prime minister to be defeated in an investiture ballot on 31 August,Precedo José 31 August 2016 Rajoy: el primer presidente en funciones que sufre una derrota por mayoría absoluta en el Congreso https://www.eldiario.es/politica/rajoy-partido-popular-investidura_1_3850560.html es eldiario.es 7 August 2020Garea Fernando 31 August 2016 Rajoy pierde la primera votación para su investidura https://elpais.com/politica/2016/08/31/actualidad/1472647562_614035.html es El País Madrid 7 August 2020 and again with the same result in the second round on 2 September.Garea Fernando 2 September 2016 Rajoy pierde la segunda votación de investidura y no hay expectativa de salida hasta octubre https://elpais.com/politica/2016/09/02/actualidad/1472832339_635560.html es El País Madrid 7 August 2020 PP and C's clashed after Rivera suggested to end their accord if the PP did not propose "another, more electable candidate" instead of Rajoy,Ruiz de Almirón Víctor 2 September 2016 Rivera: "Hoy acaba un pacto. Estaremos a la expectativa si algún candidato del PP tiene una investidura viable" https://www.abc.es/espana/abci-rivera-acaba-pacto-estaremos-expectativa-si-algun-candidato-pp-tiene-investidura-viable-201609022002_noticia.html es ABC Madrid 7 August 2020 with Rajoy's party recriminating Rivera that "we do not sign agreements for 15 minutes".EFE 2 September 2016 El PP explota contra Albert Rivera: "No firmamos pactos para quince minutos" https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/2829097/0/pp-rafael-hernando-segunda-votacion-investidura-mariano-rajoy-congreso-contra-rivera-pactos-quince-minutos/ es 20 minutos 7 August 2020 Meanwhile, Sánchez ambiguously hinted that he could attempt to lead an alternative government himself without clarifying how would he set it up.Hernández Marisol Piña Raúl Pedro Sánchez resucita el Gobierno del cambio para justificar su 'no' a Rajoy https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/09/02/57c9b494268e3e3e488b45c2.html es El Mundo Madrid 7 August 2020 After the failed investiture, the parties refrained from any new negotiation attempts until after the Basque and Galician elections scheduled for 25 September, with the King not holding any new round of consultations until after that date in order to avoid interfering with the electoral campaigns.Mármol Iolanda Martín Patricia 1 September 2016 La investidura, en pausa hasta las elecciones vascas y gallegas https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160901/psoe-investidura-rajoy-comite-federal-partido-popular-elecciones-5354818 es El Periódico de Catalunya 7 August 2020 PSOE crisis and Sánchez's ouster 2016 PSOE leadership crisis thumb|alt=Susana Díaz and Felipe González|Andalusian president Susana Díaz led the internal PSOE revolt against Sánchez supported by former prime minister Felipe González. Internal criticism of PSOE secretary-general Pedro Sánchez for his hardline stance on Rajoy's investiture—said to be a contributing factor to the political deadlock—had been kept at bay by the party's performances in the 2015 and 2016 general elections, where despite securing its two worst election results since 1977 the party held its own against Podemos's push, averting the threats from Sánchez's critics—who had hoped to hold him to account for a hypothetical electoral collapse—from materializing.19 June 2016 26J: los barones no darán margen a Pedro Sánchez para reaccionar en caso de catástrofe electoral https://www.vozpopuli.com/espana/Elecciones_26J-Pedro_Sanchez-Barones-Noche_electoral-Ferraz-Congreso-Partido_Socialista_Obrero_Espanol_PSOE-noche_electoral_0_926907365.html es Vozpópuli 7 August 2020EFE 27 June 2016 Sánchez evita el 'sorpasso' pero reduce sus opciones de gobernar https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160627/402782116993/sanchez-evita-el-sorpasso-pero-reduce-sus-opciones-de-gobernar.html es La Vanguardia Madrid 7 August 2020 However, the poor party showing in the 25 September Basque and Galician regional elections provided the pretext for dissenters—led by Susana Díaz—to call for Sánchez's immediate resignation the next day,Merino Juan Carlos 26 September 2016 La debacle electoral deja a Sánchez contra las cuerdas ante sus críticos https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160926/41572792040/la-debacle-electoral-deja-a-sanchez-contra-las-cuerdas-ante-sus-criticos.html es La Vanguardia Madrid 7 August 2020 to which the latter replied by surprisingly announcing a primary election for October and daring any challenger to come out and dispute the post to him.26 September 2016 Sanz Luis Ángel Pedro Sánchez reta a sus críticos a presentarse a las primarias: "Es muy importante que tengamos una sola voz" es https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/09/26/57e8ee4122601d2a668b45ae.html El Mundo 7 August 2020Cela Daniel 26 September 2016 El PSOE andaluz estalla e inicia una guerra en campo abierto contra Sánchez https://www.publico.es/politica/psoe-andaluz-estalla-e-inicia.html es Público 7 August 2020Sanz Luis Ángel 26 September 2016 Susana Díaz quiere retrasar el congreso y exige a Pedro Sánchez que asuma "responsabilidades" https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/09/26/57e90978ca474191058b4589.html es El Mundo Madrid 7 August 2020 The internal movements within the PSOE were seen positively by Rajoy, who was said to be "waiting for the PSOE to kill off Sánchez" in the hopes that a new leadership could lead the party to reconsider its abstention in a new investiture voting.Hernández Marisol 26 September 2016 Rajoy, pendiente de que el PSOE liquide a Sánchez https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/09/26/57e95a4646163fe7768b45f5.html es El Mundo Madrid 7 August 2020 On 27 September, signs of a breakdown in party discipline became evident: Susana Díaz publicly voiced her willingness at becoming the party's new secretary-general,Agencias 27 September 2016 Susana Díaz se abre a liderar el PSOE: "Estaré donde me pongan mis compañeros, en la cabeza o en la cola" https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20160927/41610339537/susana-diaz-liderar-psoe-pedro-sanchez.html es La Vanguardia Puerto Real (Cádiz) 7 August 2020 with a majority of members within the party's parliamentary group in the Congress of Deputies voicing their opposition to Sánchez's plans of holding an express leadership election amid the ongoing government formation process and with a general election looming for December.Marcos José 27 September 2016 Una mayoría de voces se pronuncia contra Sánchez en la reunión del grupo parlamentario https://elpais.com/politica/2016/09/27/actualidad/1474991194_420304.html es El País Madrid 7 August 2020 Former Socialist prime minister Felipe González added to the pressure by declaring that he felt "deceived" by Sánchez because of the latter having allegedly promised him to abstain in Rajoy's investiture.28 September 2016 Felipe González: "Sánchez me dijo que se iba a abstener. Me siento engañado" https://elpais.com/politica/2016/09/28/actualidad/1475042898_111590.html es El País Madrid 7 August 2020 This led to the resignation of 17 out of the 35 members from the party's executive committee on 28 September, in a move aimed at triggering Sánchez's own resignation.Díez Anabel Marcos José 28 September 2016 Pedro Sánchez se niega a dejar su cargo https://elpais.com/politica/2016/09/28/actualidad/1475061199_018971.html es El País Madrid 7 August 2020Sanz Luis Ángel 28 September 2016 Diecisiete miembros de la Ejecutiva del PSOE dimiten para provocar la caída de Pedro Sánchez https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/09/28/57ebd104e2704eca128c05c4.html es El Mundo Madrid 7 August 2020 Sánchez refused to resign,Marcos José 28 September 2016 Pedro Sánchez se atrinchera frente a su destitución por la ejecutiva del PSOE https://elpais.com/politica/2016/09/28/actualidad/1475081280_084577.html es El País 7 August 2020Jones Sam 28 September 2016 Spanish socialist leader faces revolt over refusal to end political deadlock https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/28/spanish-socialist-leader-faces-revolt-over-refusal-to-end-political-deadlock The Guardian 1 October 2016 prompting the party to descend into chaos.28 September 2016 La guerra total se desata en el PSOE https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pedro-sanchez-perdido-control-psoe_1_3808565.html es eldiario.es 7 August 2020Sánchez Manuel 29 September 2016 Revienta el PSOE https://www.publico.es/politica/revienta-psoe.html es Público 7 August 2020Marcos José Díez Anabel 29 September 2016 El caos se apodera del PSOE ante un escenario inédito en su historia es https://elpais.com/politica/2016/09/28/actualidad/1475081244_206826.html El País Madrid 7 August 2020 Sánchez barricaded himself within the party's headquarters in Madrid and accused rebels of "staging a coup",Cortizo Gonzalo 29 September 2016 El sector de Pedro Sánchez acusa a los críticos de intentar "un golpe de Estado" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/entorno-pedro-sanchez-criticos-intentado_1_3808589.html es eldiario.es 7 August 2020 whereas his critics proclaimed that they were now in control and demanded a caretaker committee to lead the party in the interim.Díez Anabel Marcos José 29 September 2016 La presidenta de la Mesa del Comité Federal: "La única autoridad en el PSOE soy yo, les guste o no" https://elpais.com/politica/2016/09/29/actualidad/1475134317_071321.html es El País Madrid 7 August 2020 Susana Díaz criticized Sánchez's record and accused him of seeking a congress "out of personal interest", offering herself to unite the party and hold a leadership election "in due course" once the political deadlock in Spain had been resolved.Limón Raúl 29 September 2016 Susana Díaz se ofrece a "coser" y "conciliar" el PSOE https://elpais.com/politica/2016/09/29/actualidad/1475138851_378278.html es El País Seville 7 August 2020López Pavón Teresa 29 September 2016 Susana Díaz se ofrece ahora para "coser" la brecha y dice que el PSOE no es "sólo" de sus militantes https://www.elmundo.es/andalucia/2016/09/29/57ed348ae2704e615b8b458e.html es El Mundo Seville 7 August 2020 Further chaos ensued within a meeting of the party's federal committee on 1 October, as disagreements between the two factions on the assembly's agenda and voting census delayed its start by several hours.Sanz Luis Ángel 1 October 2016 Lágrimas, insultos, gritos y toneladas de bochorno en el Comité Federal del PSOE https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/01/57ef4eb4ca474103788b4667.html es El Mundo Madrid 7 August 2020 Sánchez repeatedly blocked Díaz's attempts to hold a vote on his post as the two sides failed to agree on the committee's purpose,Cortizo Gonzalo Castro Irene Hevia Lucrecia Pinheiro Marcos 1 October 2016 Caos en el Comité Federal del PSOE https://www.eldiario.es/politica/caos-comite-federal-psoe_1_4594648.html es eldiario.es 7 August 2020 with him trying to force a secret ballot on his proposal for a party congress that was suspended amid accusations of vote rigging by critics because of the ballot box being "hidden" and "unsupervised".1 October 2016 Sánchez fuerza una votación y los críticos se oponen al grito de "pucherazo" https://www.lainformacion.com/espana/Sanchez-fuerza-votacion-criticos-pucherazo_0_958704782.html es La Información 7 August 2020 This action was said to have cost Sánchez the support of some of his allies,EFE 1 October 2016 Los críticos recogen firmas para presentar una moción de censura contra Sánchez https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20161001/41715311674/los-criticos-recogen-firmas-para-promover-una-mocion-de-censura-a-sanchez.html es La Vanguardia 7 August 2020 and in a subsequent voting on Sánchez's proposal turned into a vote of confidence on him—this time by a show of hands—he lost it by 132 to 107, prompting him to resign as PSOE secretary-general and allowing Díaz's supporters to take over the shattered party.Díez Anabel 1 October 2016 Pedro Sánchez dimite como secretario general del PSOE https://elpais.com/politica/2016/10/01/actualidad/1475346998_362316.html es El País 7 August 2020Castro Irene Cortizo Gonzalo Hevia Lucrecia Pinheiro Marcos 1 October 2016 Susana Díaz se hace con el control de un PSOE destrozado https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pedro-sanchez-dimite-orgullo-honor_1_3806292.html es eldiario.es 7 August 2020 Reactions to Sánchez's resignation were mixed. Pablo Iglesias commented that "supporters of a PP government have gained the upper hand within the PSOE" and called for opponents to Sánchez's ouster to rally behind Podemos as the only remaining leftist alternative in Spain to a Rajoy-led government, whereas Albert Rivera praised Susana Díaz's move and called for the PSOE to "help form a government".2 October 2016 Las reacciones a la dimisión de Pedro Sánchez https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20161001/41716850055/dimision-pedro-sanchez-reacciones.html es La Vanguardia Barcelona 7 August 2020Manetto Francesco Mateo Juan José 1 October 2016 Podemos aprovecha para capitalizar la salida de Sánchez https://elpais.com/politica/2016/10/01/actualidad/1475347805_035346.html es El País Madrid 7 August 2020 With the rebel faction taking over the party, political relations with Podemos were expected to strain, as Sánchez's critics had considered an abstention in a potential forthcoming vote on Rajoy's investiture as the only way out of the deadlock and to avoid a third general election in a row.Reuters 1 October 2016 Pedro Sánchez resigns as leader of Spain's Socialist party https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/01/pedro-sanchez-resigns-as-leader-of-spains-socialist-party The Guardian Madrid 2 August 2020 Concurrently, the party's fracture shut down any possibility of an alternative government to the PP's one being formed,28 September 2016 La guerra total en el PSOE frustra el Gobierno alternativo a Mariano Rajoy https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-gobierno-alternativo-mariano-rajoy_1_3807674.html es eldiario.es 7 August 2020 and left it at the mercy of Mariano Rajoy, who subsequently began to push for conditions himself in exchange for avoiding a third election which the PSOE could not afford in its current state.Agencias 1 October 2016 Margallo cree que el PSOE "no está en el mejor momento" para ir a unas elecciones https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2016/10/01/57efb6f6ca4741115a8b4657.html es Expansión 7 August 2020Cruz Marisa 2 October 2016 El PP pedirá al PSOE garantías de gobernabilidad https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/02/57f01deb468aeb9e338b464f.html es El Mundo Madrid 7 August 2020Cortizo Gonzalo 2 October 2016 El PSOE teme a Rajoy: "Ojalá podamos abstenernos" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-rajoy-ojala-podamos-abstenernos_1_3806450.html es eldiario.es 7 August 2020 Split on investiture President of Asturias Javier Fernández was appointed to chair the caretaker committee that would lead the party in the ensuing months.Marcos José 1 October 2016 Javier Fernández presidirá la gestora tras la renuncia de Pedro Sánchez https://elpais.com/politica/2016/10/01/actualidad/1475350386_972427.html es El País Madrid 25 August 2020 He acknowledged that the PSOE had to decide whether to abstain on Rajoy's investiture or risk a third election being held,Díez Anabel Marcos José 3 October 2016 El presidente de la gestora del PSOE: "Una abstención no es lo mismo que un apoyo" https://elpais.com/politica/2016/10/03/actualidad/1475492492_710571.html es El País Madrid 25 August 2020 aware that a revolt could break out within the party's parliamentary group if they opted to allow Rajoy to govern.Sanz Luis Ángel 4 October 2016 El PSOE no consultará a las bases si deja gobernar a Mariano Rajoy https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/04/57f2c113468aeb8b0e8b45c3.html es El Mundo Madrid 25 August 2020Romero Juanma 3 October 2016 La mayoría del Grupo Socialista apoya evitar elecciones ante el silencio de los sanchistas https://www.elconfidencial.com/elecciones-generales/2016-10-04/crisis-psoe-reunion-grupo-division-psoe-investidura-mariano-rajoy_1270214/ es El Confidencial 25 August 2020 Despite internal discontent from a number of MPs who refused to be held responsible for the formation of a new PP government,7 October 2016 El PSOE baraja una 'abstención mínima' de 11 diputados https://cincodias.elpais.com/cincodias/2016/10/06/economia/1475781764_382436.html es Cinco Días Madrid 25 August 2020Zancajo Silvia 15 October 2016 El PSOE ve más cerca la ausencia de 11 diputados que la abstención total https://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/politica-eD/noticias/7892525/10/16/El-PSOE-ve-mas-cerca-la-ausencia-de-11-diputados-que-la-abstencion-total.html es El Economista 25 August 2020 as well as threats from the Socialists' Party of Catalonia (PSC)—PSOE's sister party in Catalonia—to break party discipline,Tomàs Neus Pascual Roger 3 October 2016 El PSC resiste en su 'no es no' a Rajoy ante los titubeos del PSOE https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20161003/psc-romper-disciplina-voto-psoe-abstencion-rajoy-5446531 es El Periódico de Catalunya Barcelona 25 August 2020 Fernández maintained that deputies would not be allowed a free vote,3 October 2016 Javier Fernández cierra la puerta a que haya libertad de voto en una investidura de Rajoy es https://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/espana/2016/10/03/javier-fernandezcierra-puerta-haya-libertad-voto-investidura-rajoy/00031475495732253781893.htm La Voz de Galicia 25 August 2020 whereas Susana Díaz's PSOE–A called for the parliamentary group to vote as a bloc according to the decision taken in a new federal committee that was scheduled for 23 October,Salvador Ruiz Adolfo 15 October 2016 Díaz exige el compromiso de todos los diputados en la abstención del PSOE https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20161015/411013905593/susana-diaz-compromiso-abstencion-psoe.html es La Vanguardia Seville 25 August 2020 suggesting that MPs refusing to abide by such decision should resign their seats.Granado Olga 17 October 2016 El número 2 del PSOE de Andalucía respalda por primera vez la abstención a Mariano Rajoy https://www.eldiario.es/andalucia/psoe-a-primera-abstencion-gobierne-pp_1_3786093.html es eldiario.es 25 August 2020 As opinion polls conducted after the party crisis indicated a fall in support for PSOE, advocates of abstention argued that the question was no longer whether Rajoy would become prime minister again, but whether he would be elected "now" or after a third election predicted to result in a landslide win for the PP.T.I. 17 October 2016 El PSOE, ante el dilema definitivo: Rajoy ¿presidente ahora o dentro de 55 días? http://www.teinteresa.es/politica/PSOE-dilema-definitivo-Rajoy-presidente_0_1670233109.html es teinteresa.es Madrid 25 August 2020 The party's caretaker leadership was confident of being able to win the argument in favour of abstention, but they were also concerned that this move would widen the existing divisions within the party.Díez Anabel Marcos José 16 October 2016 El PSOE sacará adelante la abstención a Rajoy pero con un partido dividido https://elpais.com/politica/2016/10/16/actualidad/1476633532_728737.html es El País Madrid 25 August 2020 Finally, the party's federal committee voted on 23 October to abstain unconditionally once the Congress considered Rajoy's candidacy for a second time,Castro Irene Cortizo Gonzalo Pinheiro Marcos 23 October 2016 El PSOE aprueba una abstención incondicional para que Rajoy sea presidente https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-abstencion-incondicional-rajoy-presidente_1_3771493.html es eldiario.es 25 August 2020Boudreaux Richard 23 October 2016 Spain's Political Impasse Ends as Socialist Party Clears Way for Rajoy's Re-election https://www.wsj.com/articles/spains-socialist-party-set-to-vote-on-ending-long-running-political-impasse-1477208060 The Wall Street Journal 25 August 202023 October 2016 Spain's Socialists vote to allow Rajoy minority government https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37744078 BBC News 25 August 2020 but some deputies declared that they would not abide by the committee's decision and would oppose Rajoy's investiture nonetheless.Menéndez María 23 October 2016 El PSOE se abstendrá en la investidura de Rajoy tras un comité que vuelve a evidenciar la división en el partido https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20161023/psoe-se-abstendra-investidura-rajoy-tras-comite-vuelve-evidenciar-division-partido/1430540.shtml es RTVE 25 August 2020 King Felipe VI scheduled a new round of consultations for 24 and 25 October, ahead of 31 October deadline,B. García Luis 11 October 2016 El Rey convoca una nueva ronda de consultas con los partidos para el 24 y 25 de octubre https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20161011/41922501655/rey-ronda-de-consultas-partidos-24-y-25-de-octubre-investidura.html es La Vanguardia 25 August 2020 with a new investiture hearing set for 26–29 October upon confirmation that Rajoy had sufficient support to win the vote.25 October 2016 Mariano Rajoy será investido presidente el sábado https://www.eldiario.es/politica/mariano-rajoy-investido-presidente-sabado_1_3772020.html es eldiario.es 25 August 2020 Calls from some PSOE members for Fernández to allow a "minimum abstention" of just eleven MPs were rejected by the party's interim leadership, as a growing dispute between the PSOE and the PSC over the issue endangered the political alliance existing between the two parties since 1978, as the former also threatened any rebels with outright expulsion from the parliamentary group.Díez Anabel 24 October 2016 Ocho dirigentes regionales socialistas piden no imponer la abstención en bloque https://elpais.com/politica/2016/10/24/actualidad/1477330110_095051.html es El País Madrid 25 August 2020Agencias 24 October 2016 Los barones del PSOE amenazan al PSC con el divorcio https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20161024/411267209352/barones-psoe-amenazan-psc-divorcio.html es La Vanguardia Toledo 25 August 2020Cruz Marisa 25 October 2016 El PSOE avisa de que echará al Grupo Mixto a los diputados que voten 'no' en la investidura de Rajoy https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/25/580e6bc446163fda5c8b4658.html es El Mundo Madrid 25 August 2020 Still, and despite threats of retaliation, a total of 18 MPs had indicated by 25 October that they were willing to vote against Rajoy regardless of any consequences, with a further three considering it "because of the threats made by the management committee's".Sanz Luis Ángel 25 October 2016 Crece el número de diputados del PSOE que podrían votar 'no' a Rajoy https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/25/580f4e9ae5fdea3d2a8b45a8.html es El Mundo Madrid 25 August 2020 The PSC formally ratified their intention to vote against Rajoy's investiture later that day,Puente Arturo 25 October 2016 El PSC ratifica su 'no' a Rajoy y sus siete diputados romperán la disciplina de voto del PSOE https://www.eldiario.es/catalunya/politica/psc-rajoy-diputados-disciplina-psoe_1_3767188.html es eldiario.es 25 August 2020 to which the PSOE replied by warning that such a decision would represent "a unilateral breach" of the relationship between the two parties.25 October 2016 La gestora del PSOE advierte al PSC de que su 'no' a Rajoy supone una "ruptura unilateral" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-advierte-psc-rajoy-unilateral_1_3766994.html es eldiario.es 25 August 202025 October 2016 La gestora del PSOE advierte que la decisión del PSC de votar 'no' a Rajoy supone "una ruptura unilateral" con el partido https://www.antena3.com/noticias/espana/a-gestora-del-psoe-ha-anunciado-que-la-decision-supone-una-ruptura-unilateral-en-la-leal-y-exitosa-unidad-de-accion-que-el-psc_20161025580fb6770cf24962cc05bdb1.html es Antena 3 Madrid 25 August 2020 Third investiture attempt A new investiture session began on 26 October at 18:00 CEST (UTC+2) with the speech from Mariano Rajoy in the Congress of Deputies, to be followed on 27 October by the replies from the other parties, a first round of voting later that day and, if necessary, a second round scheduled for 29 October.25 October 2016 El debate de investidura comenzará el 26 de octubre a las 18:00 con la intervención de Rajoy https://www.ondacero.es/noticias/espana/debate-investidura-comenzara-octubre-1800-intervencion-rajoy_20161025580f79b40cf24962cc056676.html es Onda Cero 25 August 2020 Rajoy's speech praised the PSOE's new stance on his investiture and called on them to maintain their "responsibility" ahead of future agreement between the two parties that ensured political stability.Pi Jaume 26 October 2016 Rajoy ofrece al PSOE diálogo y pactos de Estado para ganarse la estabilidad https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20161026/411346971154/mariano-rajoy-investidura.html es La Vanguardia Barcelona 25 August 2020Sanchis Luz 27 October 2016 Rajoy reclama al PSOE que su apoyo no se limite a la investidura https://www.eldiario.es/politica/rajoy-agradece-socialistas-eviten-bloqueo_1_3770080.html es eldiario.es 25 August 2020 Antonio Hernando, PSOE's spokesperson in Congress, justified their abstention by citing the country's need for a government after months of deadlock, but reiterating that his party still did not trust Rajoy and promising to provide a strong opposition to his policies regardless.Castro Irene 27 October 2016 Antonio Hernando justifica que el PSOE haga presidente a Rajoy: "Hoy España nos necesita" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/antonio-hernando-psoe-rajoy-espana_1_3770157.html es eldiario.es 25 August 2020 Pablo Iglesias harshly condemned the PSOE's decision to allow Rajoy's investiture, suggesting that it heralded the effective end of the two-party system that had dominated Spanish politics since the adoption of the 1978 Constitution and accusing Rajoy of having sacrificed turnismo—in reference to the historical rotation of PP and PSOE in power—by "bumping off" the PSOE and relegating it to a mere PP "crutch" in order to save himself and his party.Ríos Daniel 27 October 2016 Iglesias a Rajoy: "Igual con Twitter no se maneja bien, pero con los SMS se maneja usted de maravilla" https://www.infolibre.es/noticias/politica/2016/10/27/pablo_iglesias_discurso_investidura_56797_1012.html es infoLibre 25 August 2020 Iglesias also declared that Unidos Podemos would be the main force of opposition against the alleged "triple alliance" of PP, PSOE and C's that supported Rajoy.Carvajal Álvaro 27 October 2016 Pablo Iglesias: "Hay más delincuentes potenciales en esta Cámara que fuera" https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/27/5811bdc4e5fdea95628b468c.html es El Mundo Madrid 25 August 202027 October 2016 Pablo Iglesias, en su réplica a Rajoy: "Hay más delincuentes potenciales en esta Cámara que ahí afuera" https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pablo-iglesias-tramite-ciudadanos-psoe_1_3769153.html es eldiario.es Riveiro Aitor 25 August 2020 Concurrently, and despite having announced the end of his pact with PP after the previous investiture debate in early September, Albert Rivera pledged to repeat his party's affirmative vote for Rajoy's investiture in exchange for the agreed reforms and to put an end to the political deadlock, while also condemning Iglesias's support of the street protests taking place outside the Congress in protest against the PSOE's abstention.25 October 2016 Rivera confirma que Ciudadanos votará 'sí' en la investidura de Rajoy https://www.antena3.com/noticias/espana/rajoy-y-rivera-ratifican-el-acuerdo-con-150-medidas-para-la-nueva-legislatura_20161025580f46f20cf24962cc051f31.html es Antena 3 Madrid 25 August 2020Santos Pilar 27 October 2016 Rivera carga contra Iglesias y salva a Rajoy en su discurso https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20161027/rivera-discurso-investidura-rajoy-octubre-5590954 es El Periódico de Catalunya 25 August 2020 The debate was also notable for being the first public appearance of Pedro Sánchez since his resignation as the PSOE's secretary-general, as he kept his seat in Congress and attended the investiture session; asked about his stance in the two rounds of voting, he confirmed that he would be voting "no" in Thursday's ballot—in which the PSOE was expected to symbolically oppose Rajoy—but did not disclose his intentions ahead of Saturday's ballot, when his party would abstain.Merino Juan Carlos 27 October 2016 Pedro Sánchez reaparece aferrado al no a Rajoy https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20161027/411359662817/pedro-sanchez-reaparece-aferrado-al-no-a-rajoy.html es La Vanguardia Madrid 25 August 2020 Sánchez and his supporters within the Socialist parliamentary group did not applaud Hernando's speech, describing it as "disappointing", whereas some of those critical of the PSOE's new direction commented that they risked losing the leadership of the opposition to Podemos following Iglesias's speech.27 October 2016 Pedro Sánchez y los críticos del PSOE no aplauden el discurso de Antonio Hernando https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20161027/pedro-sanchez-no-aplaude-antonio-hernando-abstencion-psoe-investidura-5590879 es El Periódico de Catalunya 25 August 2020Europa Press 27 October 2016 Diputados afines a Pedro Sánchez ven "decepcionante" el discurso de Antonio Hernando https://www.abc.es/espana/abci-diputados-afines-pedro-sanchez-decepcionante-discurso-antonio-hernando-201610271439_noticia.html es ABC 25 August 2020 InvestitureCongress of DeputiesNomination of Mariano Rajoy (PP) Ballot → 27 October 2016 29 October 2016 Required majority → 176 out of 350 15 Simple 15 Yes • PP (134) • C's (32) • UPN (2) • CCa (1) • FAC (1) 170 350 green 125px 170 350 green 125px No • PSOE (84) (15 on 29 Oct) • UP–ECP–EM (67) • ERC (9) • PDeCAT (8) • PNV (5) • Compromís (4) • EH Bildu (2) • NCa (1) 180 350 red 125px 111 350 red 125px Abstentions • PSOE (68) (on 29 Oct) 0 350 gray 125px 68 350 gray 125px Absentees • PSOE (1) (on 29 Oct) 0 350 black 125px 1 350 black 125px Sources As scheduled, Rajoy lost the first ballot on 27 October by 180 to 170, with the PSOE abstention having been inconsequential at that time since an absolute majority was required to succeed in the ballot.Sanchis Luz 27 October 2016 El PSOE vota 'no' a Rajoy 48 horas antes de hacerle presidente https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-rajoy-horas-hacerle-presidente_1_3763845.html es eldiario.es 25 August 202027 October 2016 Menéndez María Rajoy no obtiene la mayoría absoluta y será investido el sábado con la abstención del PSOE es https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20161027/rajoy-no-obtiene-mayoria-absoluta-sera-investido-sabado-abstencion-del-psoe/1433020.shtml RTVE 25 August 2020 Attention then turned to Saturday's second and final ballot; of particular interest were the extent of the PSOE's parliamentary schism and Sánchez's final voting position, with close aides suggesting that he would not abstain.27 October 2016 Sánchez no se abstendrá y duda entre el no y dejar el acta, según sus afines http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Sanchez-abstendra-duda-dejar-afines_0_573943580.html es eldiario.es 25 August 2020 Ultimately, a visibly emotional Sánchez announced his resignation as deputy a few hours ahead of the scheduled vote, arguing that he could neither abstain—which would have meant breaking his electoral pledge of opposing a PP government—or, as a former PSOE leader, set a negative precedent by disobeying the decision of the highest party governing body, the federal committee, while hinting at the possibility of that he may run in a future party leadership election.Sanz Luis Ángel 29 October 2016 Pedro Sánchez dimite como diputado y anuncia que se lanza a recuperar el PSOE https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/29/58147a2346163fc46c8b4578.html es El Mundo Madrid 25 August 2020 On 29 October, Rajoy succeeded in his investiture attempt with the support of 170 MPs to 111 against and 68 abstentions, thus ending the 10-month political deadlock.Lamet Juanma H. Asenador Sara 29 October 2016 Fin del bloqueo: Mariano Rajoy, presidente gracias a la abstención de 68 diputados del PSOE https://www.expansion.com/economia/politica/2016/10/29/5814e88846163f5f508b45bb.html es Expansión 2 August 2020 Fifteen PSOE deputies chose to break party discipline and vote against Rajoy in spite of the possible consequences threatened by the party's interim leadership.Among those breaking the PSOE's discipline were future President of the Senate Manuel Cruz as well as future ministers Margarita Robles and Meritxell Batet, the latter of whom would also become President of the Congress of Deputies in 2019.Cruz Marisa 29 October 2016 Rajoy, investido presidente gracias a la abstención de todos los diputados del PSOE excepto 15 https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/29/5814b9cb46163fce668b4581.html es El Mundo Madrid 25 August 2020 During the investiture debate, thousands gathered outside Congress to protest against what they described as a "coup", shouting slogans against both PP and PSOE, with some protestors describing the new government as "illegitimate" in view of it being born out of a political U-turn.Domínguez Íñigo García de Blas Elsa 29 October 2016 Miles de personas se manifiestan contra la investidura "ilegítima" de Rajoy https://elpais.com/politica/2016/10/29/actualidad/1477750896_744654.html es El País Madrid 25 August 2020Águeda Pedro Pinheiro Marcos 29 October 2016 Miles de personas se manifiestan contra la investidura de Mariano Rajoy https://www.eldiario.es/politica/miles-manifiestan-investidura-mariano-rajoy_1_3759224.html es eldiario.es 25 August 2020 Rajoy reiterated his wish for "a government that was able to govern", calling for those parties facilitating his election—PSOE and C's—to ensure the parliamentary stability of his cabinet through confidence and supply, whereas Iglesias attacked the Socialists for their "capitulation" and claimed for himself and his party the "hegemony of opposition" to the PP government.Sanchis Luz 29 October 2016 El PSOE y Ciudadanos hacen presidente a Mariano Rajoy https://www.eldiario.es/politica/psoe-ciudadanos-presidente-mariano-rajoy_1_3759800.html es eldiario.es 25 August 2020 Opinion polls Opinion polls were conducted during the terms of the 10th and 11th Cortes Generales and throughout the investiture processes to gauge public opinion on the preferred composition of the government resulting from the 2015 and 2016 general elections. These polls mostly indicated that the most popular option was either a PSOE–Podemos coalition, or a PP–C's coalition (that could also involve the PSOE). Shown in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first and using the dates when the survey fieldwork was done, as opposed to the date of publication (except in cases where the fieldwork dates are unknown): + Opinion on government formation Polling firm/Commissioner Fieldwork date Sample size PSOEPod./UP PSOEPod./UPC's PSOE Pod./UPC's PSOEC's PPPSOE PPPSOEC's PPC's PP Other None/New election Notes GAD3/ABC3 October 2016 El cisma del PSOE le deja con 68 escaños e impulsa al PP hasta los 159 http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/2016/10/03/017.html es ABC 21 October 2026 5–30 Sep 2016 3,400 21.0 14.9 – – – – 43.1 – – 8.1 – 12.9 Question asked was "Which agreement do you prefer for the formation of a government in Spain?" MyWord/Cadena SER19 September 2016 El ObSERvatorio de la Cadena SER (19/ 9/ 2016) https://web.archive.org/web/20160924051324/http://myword.es/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Informe-de-resultados-ObSERvatorio-Septiembre-2016.pdf es MyWord 21 October 2026 9–14 Sep 2016 995 21.1 17.6 – – – – 19.3 14.7 – – 10.6 16.7 Question asked was "Thinking about the coming weeks (...) what would you prefer to happen?" 26 Jun 2016 2016 Spanish general election InvyMark/laSexta17 June 2016 Unidos Podemos se afianza como segundo partido en intención de voto en unas elecciones que ganaría el PP https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/elecciones-generales-2016/unidos-podemos-se-afianza-como-segundo-partido-en-intencion-de-voto-en-unas-elecciones-que-ganaria-el-pp_201606175763d2136584a824cb661861.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 2026 15–16 Jun 2016? 27.4 – – – – – 15.8 18.9 – – 37.9 "fn1" Question asked was "Which governing coalition do you prefer?" MyWord/Cadena SER17 June 2016 El ObSERvatorio de la Cadena SER (17/ 6/ 2016) https://web.archive.org/web/20160821095914/http://myword.es/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Informe-de-resultados-ObSERvatorio-Junio-2016.pdf es MyWord 21 October 2026 13–16 Jun 2016 1,502 34.4 12.4 – – – – 20.4 15.2 – – – 17.6 "fn2" Question asked was "Looking ahead to the next four years, if you had to choose, which of these potential governments do you think would be best for our country?" GAD3/La VanguardiaCastro Carles 12 June 2016 Las tres coaliciones con más apoyoserían PP y C's, Podemos y PSOE y socialistas y C's https://hemeroteca.lavanguardia.com/preview/2016/06/12/pagina-19/96992960/pdf.html es La Vanguardia Barcelona 21 October 2026 6–9 Jun 2016 1,016 28.219.4% with Podemos/UP as the leading party; 8.8% with PSOE as the leading party. – – – 18.4 13.7 – 20.7 – 10.4 – 8.6 Question asked was "In the event that no party secures an absolute majority, but two parties are sufficient to form a government, which agreements or governing coalitions would you prefer?" MyWord/Cadena SER31 May 2016 El ObSERvatorio de la Cadena SER (31/ 5/ 2016) https://web.archive.org/web/20160816113516/http://myword.es/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Informe-de-resultados-ObSERvatorio-Mayo-2016.pdf es MyWord 21 October 2026 20–24 May 2016 1,000 31.9 15.9 – – – – 24.9 14.1 – – – 13.2 "fn2" NC Report/La RazónBartolomé Andrés 2 May 2016 La mayoría augura otro bloqueo si no gobierna la lista más votada https://www.larazon.es/espana/la-mayoria-augura-otro-bloqueo-si-no-gobierna-el-mas-votado-CF12538974 es La Razón 21 October 20262 May 2016 Tracking 30/04/2016 http://www.larazon.es/documents/10165/0/video_content_4768392_20160502051439.pdf es La Razón 2 May 2016 10 June 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160610075817/http://www.larazon.es/documents/10165/0/video_content_4768392_20160502051439.pdf dead 18–30 Apr 2016 2,000 21.4 – – – – – – 22.6 – 45.039.4% a single-party government of the most voted party. – 11.0 Question asked was "After the election, which government would you prefer?" InvyMark/laSexta3 April 2016 El PP volvería a ganar las elecciones generales con un 28,6% de los votos https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/286-espanoles-volveria-votar-nuevas-elecciones_2016040357238cea4beb28d446ffe5e6.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 2026 28 Mar–1 Apr 2016 1,200 35.7 15.6 – – – – 28.5 – – – 20.2 "fn1" Sigma Dos/El MundoCruz Marisa 3 April 2016 Un pacto del PP con PSOE y Ciudadanos, opción favorita https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/04/04/57017a9be2704e830c8b45be.html es El Mundo Madrid 21 October 2026 28–31 Mar 2016 800 20.3 13.7 – – 13.4 – 26.2 16.8 – – – 9.5 "fn3" Question asked was "Among the possible government options being considered, which one do you prefer?" NC Report/La RazónBartolomé Andrés 21 March 2016 Casi 2,5 millones de españoles cambiarían su voto en nuevas elecciones https://www.larazon.es/espana/casi-2-5-millones-de-espanoles-cambiarian-su-voto-en-nuevas-elecciones-LF12249673 es La Razón 21 October 202621 March 2016 La opinión de los españoles, en cifras https://estaticos4.larazon.es/documents/10165/0/video_content_4573982_20160321031200.pdf es La Razón 17 November 2018 18 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181118035244/https://estaticos4.larazon.es/documents/10165/0/video_content_4573982_20160321031200.pdf dead 13–17 Mar 2016 1,000 31.2 – – – – – 41.8 – – – – 27.0 Question asked was "Personally, and with the aim of avoiding an election, which agreement would you prefer if only two options were possible?" MyWord/Cadena SER17 March 2016 El ObSERvatorio de la Cadena SER (17/ 3/ 2016) https://web.archive.org/web/20160914204546/http://myword.es/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Informe-de-resultados-ObSERvatorio-Marzo-2016.pdf es MyWord 21 October 2026 10–14 Mar 2016 1,004 21.5 – 16.79.8% PSOE with Podemos–IU's external support; 6.9% PSOE with C's external support. – 11.6 – – – 24.714.1% PP with PSOE–C's external support, without Rajoy; 10.6% PP with PSOE–C's external support, with Rajoy. – – 25.5 "fn2" GESOP/El PeriódicoRico José 11 March 2016 El tripartito PP-PSOE-Ciudadanos es el pacto preferido por los españoles https://www.elperiodico.com/es/politica/20160311/encuesta-pactos-gobierno-partido-popular-psoe-ciudadanos-4967684 es El Periódico de Catalunya Barcelona 21 October 2026 5–8 Mar 2016 1,000 27.7 18.7 – – – 7.0 37.5 – – – 6.2 2.9 Question asked was "Among the possible agreements for forming a government, which one do you think would be most positive for the country?" InvyMark/laSexta 22–26 Feb 2016 1,200 35.1 14.1 – – – – 38.1 – – – 12.7 "fn1" InvyMark/laSexta21 February 2016 El PP pierde apoyos pero volvería a ganar las elecciones con un 26,4% https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/pierde-apoyos-pero-volveria-ganar-elecciones-264_201602215723c3e74beb28d446000370.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 2026 15–19 Feb 2016? 35.4 8.4 – – – – 36.4 – – – 17.7 2.1 "fn1" Sigma Dos/El MundoCruz Marisa 20 February 2016 Podemos se deja nueve escaños y el PP cuatro https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/02/20/56c8b14eca4741e2048b459a.html es El Mundo Madrid 21 October 202620 February 2016 Los gráficos de la encuesta EL MUNDO-Sigma Dos https://www.elmundo.es/grafico/espana/2016/02/21/56c8920dca4741f2478b4591.html es El Mundo 21 October 2026 16–18 Feb 2016 1,000 27.2 – – – 17.1 – 30.7 12.0 – – – 13.0 "fn3" InvyMark/laSexta6 February 2016 A un 42% de los encuestados no le gusta ninguno de los pactos que se está negociando https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/encuestados-les-gusta-ninguno-pactos-que-esta-negociando_201602065723d9296584a81fd8821717.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 2026 1–5 Feb 2016? 38.0 17.8 – – – – – – – – 42.3 1.9 "fn1" MyWord/Cadena SER25 January 2016 El ObSERvatorio de la Cadena SER (25/ 1/ 2016) https://web.archive.org/web/20161105190222/http://myword.es/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Informe-de-resultados-ObSERvatorio-Enero-2016.pdf es MyWord 21 October 2026 15–19 Jan 2016 1,000 – – 44.427.2% PSOE with Podemos–smaller parties' external support; 17.2% PSOE with Podemos–C's external support. – – 4.5 – – 25.5 – – 27.6 "fn2" NC Report/La RazónBartolomé Andrés 27 December 2015 La mayoría rechaza un pacto entre PSOE, Podemos y los nacionalistas https://www.larazon.es/espana/la-mayoria-no-quiere-elecciones-y-cree-que-la-inestabilidad-dana-la-economia-GC11572127 es La Razón 21 October 202627 December 2015 La resaca del 20-D https://www.larazon.es/espana/la-resaca-del-20-d-DC11572155 es La Razón 17 November 2018 18 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181118081428/https://www.larazon.es/espana/la-resaca-del-20-d-DC11572155 dead 21–24 Dec 2015? 26.0 – – – – – 29.0 – 7.4 8.8 – 28.8 "fn1" 20 Dec 2015 2015 Spanish general election NC Report/La Razón13 December 2015 Un 36% desea un pacto PP-C's frente a un 16,7% que prefiere PSOE-Podemos https://www.larazon.es/elecciones-generales-2015/la-mayoria-prefiere-un-pacto-entre-pp-y-c-s-AB11450033 es La Razón 21 October 202613 December 2015 El escenario de los pactos https://estaticos4.larazon.es/documents/10165/0/video_content_4092271_20151213025505.pdf es La Razón 20 November 2018 21 November 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181121022034/https://estaticos4.larazon.es/documents/10165/0/video_content_4092271_20151213025505.pdf dead 9–12 Dec 2015 3,000 16.7 – – – 17.5 8.4 – 35.8 – 4.5 – 17.1 Question asked was "What type of agreement do you prefer in the event that no party obtains a majority?" InvyMark/laSexta13 December 2015 El PP ganaría las elecciones con un 29%, empate técnico entre PSOE y Ciudadanos y remontada de Podemos https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/elecciones-generales-2015/ganaria-elecciones-empate-tecnico-psoe-ciudadanos-remontada-podemos_20151214572902e66584a80f945eef5d.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 2026 7–11 Dec 2015? 32.0 – – 5.9 11.8 3.1 – 30.0 – – – 17.2 "fn4" Question asked was "Which governing coalition would you prefer after the general election?" InvyMark/laSexta7 December 2015 El PP se distancia en hasta nueve puntos del PSOE, que empataría con Ciudadanos en intención de voto https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/elecciones-generales-2015/distancia-nueve-puntos-psoe-que-empataria-ciudadanos-intencion-voto_2015120757242ead4beb28d4460082fb.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 2026 30 Nov–4 Dec 2015? 35.5 – – 3.3 8.3 3.3 – 31.9 – – – 17.7 "fn4" GESOP/El PeriódicoEncuesta preelectoral en España. Las elecciones generales del 20D. Noviembre de 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160618123828/http://www.elperiodico.com/es/ext_resources/gesop/EP_Preelectoral20D_Tabulaciones_ESP.pdf es GESOP 2 December 2015 23–28 Nov 2015 1,816 24.8 – – 5.9 19.9 5.3 – 28.4 – 2.8 – 12.9 "fn5" Question asked was "If no party were to win an absolute majority in the upcoming general election and a coalition agreement became necessary, which type of agreement would you prefer?" InvyMark/laSexta29 November 2015 El PP ganaría las elecciones con el 29,5% de votos, casi nueve puntos por encima del PSOE https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/elecciones-generales-2015/ganaria-elecciones-295-votos-casi-nueve-puntos-encima-psoe_2015112957243a604beb28d4460088ac.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 202629 November 2015 Los pactos en La Moncloa tras el 20D serán decisivos, según la intención de voto https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/elecciones-generales-2015/pactos-moncloa-20d-seran-decisivos-segun-intencion-voto_2015112957243a874beb28d4460088c0.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 2026 23–27 Nov 2015 1,200 32.8 – – 3.0 12.8 5.3 – 29.5 – – – 16.6 "fn4" MyWord/Cadena SER2 November 2015 El ObSERvatorio de la Cadena SER (2/ 11/ 2015) http://myword.es/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Informe-de-resultados-ObSERvatorio-octubre-2015.pdf es MyWord 27 May 2025 6 November 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151106193112/http://myword.es/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Informe-de-resultados-ObSERvatorio-octubre-2015.pdf bot: unknown 22–26 Oct 2015 1,001 21.1 – 3.7 – 13.9 2.2 – 14.4 10.5 – 23.9 10.3 Question asked was "A general election will be held on 20 December. Looking ahead to the next four years, if you had to choose, which of the following governments do you think would be best for our country?" InvyMark/laSexta25 October 2015 El pacto con más apoyo sería el de PP y Ciudadanos; el de PSOE y Podemos, en segundo lugar https://www.lasexta.com/programas/sexta-noche/noticias/pacto-mas-apoyo-seria-ciudadanos-psoe-podemos-segundo-lugar_201510255724520c4beb28d446009699.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 2026 19–23 Oct 2015? 26.2 – – 5.3 17.6 7.3 – 29.4 – – – 14.2 "fn4" InvyMark/laSexta13 October 2015 Ciudadanos se sitúa como la llave de Gobierno el 20D https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/barometro_20151013572919476584a80f945efc52.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 2026 5–9 Oct 2015? 31.7 – – 3.4 19.0 5.7 – 26.7 – – – 13.5 "fn4" CIS5 August 2015 Barómetro de julio de 2015 (Estudio nº 3104. Julio 2015) https://www.cis.es/documents/d/cis/es3104marpdf es CIS 21 October 2026 1–9 Jul 2015 2,486 21.1 0.1 9.1 1.0 10.9 5.0 0.1 10.3 11.6 10.4 1.2 19.2 Question asked was "In the event that no political force secures an absolute majority, which of the following options for forming a government do you prefer?" InvyMark/laSexta31 May 2015 El 39% de los encuestados prefiere un pacto PSOE-Podemos tras el 24M https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/encuestados-prefiere-pacto-psoepodemos-24m_201505315724f6966584a81fd882f645.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 2026 25–29 May 2015 1,200 38.8 – – 6.0 10.7 5.8 – 24.6 – – – 14.1 "fn4" InvyMark/laSexta25 April 2015 Un acuerdo entre PSOE y Podemos tras las elecciones generales es la opción preferida por los votantes https://www.lasexta.com/noticias/nacional/acuerdo-psoe-podemos-elecciones-generales-opcion-preferida-votantes_20150425572516bc6584a81fd8830892.html es laSexta Madrid 21 October 2026 13–17 Apr 2015? 26.1 – – 8.3 15.8 9.0 – 21.4 – – – 19.4 "fn4" GESOP/El Periódico20 April 2015 Barómetro político de España. Abril de 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055645/http://www.elperiodico.com/es/ext_resources/gesop/BarEPEspana_Abril15_Tabulaciones.pdf es GESOP 21 October 2026 8–13 Apr 2015 1,000 29.7 – – – 21.0 8.3 – 21.7 – – – 19.3 "fn5" Aftermath thumb|alt=Family photo of the government of Spain|Cabinet photo of Mariano Rajoy's second government on 4 November 2016. Spain's 314-day political stalemate ended with Rajoy's re-election as prime minister, after a period which saw some of the most dramatic political upheaval since the country's return to democracy: two inconclusive general elections, two failed investiture attempts, Podemos and IU teaming up together, Pedro Sánchez's ouster as PSOE leader and his party torn apart by internal strife as it allowed the formation of a right-wing government for the first time in its history.Jones Sam 29 October 2016 Spain avoids third election and ends 10-month political impasse https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/oct/28/spain-to-get-government-after-10-month-political-impasse-mariano-rajoy The Guardian Madrid 2 August 202027 July 2023 De los 29 días de Suárez a los 314 de Rajoy: así han durado los gobiernos en funciones en España https://www.eldiario.es/politica/politica-directo_6_10411590_1102566.html es elDiario.es 14 March 2025 Following the successful investiture and on the eve of the establishment of the second government of Mariano Rajoy, in an exclusive interview for laSexta's Salvados news show, Sánchez publicly accused his party's apparatus—led by Susana Díaz—and "financial powers", including media outlet El País, of having coerced him into avoiding a left-wing pact with Podemos and nationalist parties throughout the entire government formation process, revealing they triggered the internal revolt within PSOE to oust him once he considered a serious attempt at forming such a government and after repeatedly opposing to allow a PP government to form.Castro Irene 30 October 2016 Pedro Sánchez acusa a los poderes financieros y al grupo Prisa de presionar para mantener a Rajoy https://www.eldiario.es/politica/pedro-sanchez-economicos-gobernara-podemos_1_3757139.html es eldiario.es 3 October 2021Sanz Luis Ángel 30 October 2016 Pedro Sánchez carga contra el Ibex y pide que el PSOE trate a Podemos 'de tú a tú' https://www.elmundo.es/espana/2016/10/30/58165763268e3ead1f8b46a4.html es El Mundo Madrid 3 October 2021 Rajoy's election would later be regarded by political analysts as a tactical solution to overcome the impasse and not as a true expression of parliamentary confidence. Without an overall majority in a hostile parliament and relying on a traumatic abstention from the main opposition party, Rajoy's government would remain in place for as long as the PSOE and the remaining parties did not come together to add their votes. This proved true in June 2018 when—with the publication of the court ruling on the Gürtel affair as a trigger—Mariano Rajoy was expelled from office in the first successful motion of no confidence in Spain since the country's transition to democracy, allowing Pedro Sánchez (who had been re-elected at the helm of the PSOE's leadership in June 2017) to become prime minister.Jiménez-Blanco Antonio 14 June 2018 En 2016 no hubo investidura https://blogs.elconfidencial.com/espana/tribuna/2018-06-14/investidura-rajoy-mocion-censura_1578476/ es El Confidencial 7 August 2023 Notes References Government formation Government formation Category:Cabinet formation in Spain