MADRID (Reuters) – Two weeks before Spain’s upcoming election, the conservative People’s Party (PP) has widened its lead over the ruling Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE). However, forming a government would still require the support of the far-right Vox party, as per an opinion poll published by a newspaper on Sunday.
The poll, conducted by Ipsos for La Vanguardia newspaper between July 3 and July 6, surveyed 2,000 individuals. It revealed that the opposition PP currently holds 35% of the votes, while the PSOE has 28%.
Ahead of the July 23 election, the poll also indicated that the far-left Sumar party would secure 13% of the votes, narrowly surpassing Vox with 12.6%.
In terms of seat forecasts, the PP is projected to secure between 138 and 147 seats in the 350-member lower house, while the PSOE is expected to win between 102 and 112 seats. Vox, considered the PP’s most likely coalition partner, is estimated to win between 32 and 39 seats. Similarly, Sumar is forecasted to win between 31 and 39 seats.
If the poll’s results are accurate, a right-wing coalition of the PP and Vox could secure up to 180 seats, ensuring an absolute majority. On the other hand, the PP and Vox combined would have more seats (up to 170) than a left-wing alliance comprising the PSOE and Sumar, which is projected to win no more than 150 seats.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, a member of the Socialist party, called for the national election following a disappointing performance in May’s regional elections.
Thus far, all surveys have indicated that the PP is likely to receive the most votes in the upcoming elections.
(Reporting by Graham Keeley; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
