Latest news: Socialists and People’s party level after half of votes counted in snap general election
Standing firmly in the Socialists’ corner is the new Sumar movement – a platform of some 15 leftist and green parties – that is hoping to act as a bulwark against the far-right.
Led by Yolanda Díaz, the country’s 52-year-old minister of labour and the Spanish politician with the highest approval rating, Sumar has sought to appeal to the widest possible range of left-of-centre voters. Their promises include the eye-catching “universal inheritance,” which would give all young Spaniards €20,000 (£17,000) in a bid to boost social mobility.
When it comes to -isms, I hate putting labels on things,” Díaz said. “You’ll never find me in all that. What I am is a progressive woman who is the daughter of an anti-Franco activist who was a member of the Spanish Communist party.”
Her task is not easy. Although Spain’s economy is in decent shape – the inflation rate fell to 1.9% in June – the cost of living crisis continues to bite and political disenchantment, especially on the left, is rife.”