A woman holds a poster with the photograph of Spain's Socialist party leader Pedro Sanchez as she gathers with other people outside the party headquarters in Madrid, Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016. Spain's Socialist party is facing strong internal discord as they vote to decide if they will keep or oust their leader Pedro Sanchez, who has been leading opposition to acting conservative Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's efforts to build a minority government and end a nine-month political deadlock. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco)
October 03, 2016 - 7:31 AM
MADRID - Spain's political impasse looks set to continue for some time.
The leading opposition Socialist party says that it's up to its federal committee to decide whether to change the party's stance against allowing acting Premier Mariano Rajoy of the rival Popular Party to form a minority government.
Javier Fernandez, caretaker Socialist leader following the weekend resignation of Pedro Sanchez, said Monday that the committee would meet but he couldn't say when.
He said his main task was to restore unity following the crisis triggered by those who opposed Sanchez's stance of blocking Rajoy.
Sanchez's departure raises the possibility the Socialists may alter that stance and help end Spain's nine-month stalemate following two inconclusive elections.
Parliament has until Oct. 31 to form a government or a new election must be held.
News from © The Associated Press, 2016