How Spain’s comeback kid Pedro Sanchez pulled off another upset

After reverses in regional and municipal elections, Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez did something he has become known for throughout his political career, and took a gamble: he called a snap general election.

The election was viewed as a battle between alternative coalitions, with polls showing an alliance of the conservative PP and far-right Vox parties as favourites to take power.

That didn’t happen and while the PP, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, emerged as the country’s biggest party on Sunday, a disappointing night for Vox put a right wing majority beyond reach.

Instead Sanchez and his centre-left PSOE party looks in a stronger position to forge a new left wing coalition.

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The final outcome will have implications for European policy-making on migration and climate, with Spain currently holding the EU presidency.

Irish Times contributor Guy Hedgecoe explains why Sanchez is regarded as an astute political operator, how the right’s focus on ‘culture war’ issues ultimately worked against them, and what happens next.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.