Jason Moore03/10/2016 00:00
TW
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I have often complained in this space that no one in Spanish politics resigns and in most cases party politics is placed above the national interest. But this hasn't been the case with Spain's second biggest political party, the Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE). Following a rebellion within his own inner circle, PSOE leader Sanchez resigned on Saturday night. Some sections of his party were opposed to his tough line on negotiations with the Partido Popular. Spain hasn't had a government since December after two general elections which were won by the centre-right Partido Popular but without a majority. The Socialists under Sanchez had refused to back the Partido Popular which would have allowed acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to be sworn in as leader.

But a rebellion by some PSOE members who believed that they should be backing the PP led to the end of Sanchez. Also, PSOE, has serious problems. Their share of the vote has fallen while support for the new far-left Podemos Party continues to rise. But for once someone has done the honourable thing. If Mariano Rajoy is able to form a government, it will be thanks in no small part to his arch-rivals the socialists. Their rebellion has effectively meant that the political deadlock has been broken once and for all. There is a long way ahead yet and Spain could still face a third general election. But there does appear to be light at the end of the tunnel which is good news.