Spain Socialists, far-left Podemos agree on coalition govt.

Spain's Socialists and the radical left-wing Podemos on Tuesday have agreed in principle to form a coalition government in what would be the first such power-sharing deal in the country's modern history.

According to Press TV, the announcement came just days after Spain held its fourth election in as many years, from which Socialist Prime Minister Pedro emerged a winner but weakened, with the far-right Vox transformed into parliament's third-largest party.

But a government formed by the two parties would need the support of other factions to pass an investiture vote because they would be short of the 176 seats needed for a majority in the 350-seat parliament.

The legislature has been mired in deadlock since an inconclusive election in April which the Socialists won but without a majority — in an outcome which was repeated on Sunday.

Sanchez called Sunday's election in the hope of strengthening his hand after months of negotiations between the Socialists and Podemos failed to reach a deal — a gamble that ultimately failed.

Announcing the new tentative deal, Sanchez said the aim was to break months of political deadlock.

"Our desire is to achieve majority support in the chamber," he said, indicating they would approach other factions "to achieve a stable and sustained majority that would make possible not only an investiture vote but a legislature."

Standing next to him, pony-tailed Podemos Leader Pablo Iglesias said they wanted to form "a progressive coalition government" and would thrash out the details of both its programme and structure in the coming weeks.

"As election night showed... what was a historic opportunity in April has become a historic necessity," he said of an election which showed a definite shift to the right.

Both the Socialists and Podemos lost seats compared to April's election, with Sanchez's party taking 120, down from 123, while Podemos secured 35, down from 42.

With just 155 seats, they are still 21 short for an investiture vote, with the party likely to win support from leftwing upstart Mas Pais with its three seats, as well as several other non-separatist regional parties.

But most important would be the backing of centre-right Ciudadanos, analysts said.

Although the party had previously ruled out any support for Sanchez, it suffered a major rout on Sunday, prompting the resignation of Leader Albert Rivera.

ME