Spain’s Pparliament is due to begin debating whether to allow the Socialist party to form a new government. The Socialists (PSOE) came second in December’s inconclusive elections and have until the end of the week to see if they can secure a majority in parliament, BBC reported. On Tuesday, PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez appealed to deputies to back his bid to form a coalition. However, correspondents say his chances of forming a government are slim. If he fails in a confidence vote later on Wednesday, another vote will be held on Friday. If neither vote is successful, parliament will have two months to choose a government or face fresh elections on 26 June. In his address to parliament on Tuesday, Sanchez called for the formation of a coalition based on common interests. He said a Socialist-led government would enact a series of progressive measures such as a minimum wage increase and a gender wage-gap law. Between them, the PSOE and partner party Ciudadanos command only 130 seats in the 350-seat lower chamber of parliament.
