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The no-confidence motion has passed with the support of 180 MPs. There was one abstention and 169 MPs voted against it.
Pedron Sánchez during the no-confidence vote debate. / Spanish Parliament
The Spanish Parliament has voted in favor of a no-confidence motion against President (Prime Minister) Mariano Rajoy.
Rajoy has been ousted from Office after a Spanish court ruled that his party financially benefited from an illegal kickback scheme, and one of its former treasurers was given a 33-year jail sentence.
He is the first President of the government in modern Spanish history to be defeated in a no-confidence vote.
Spanish Parliament.
PEDRO SÁNCHEZ, NEW PRESIDENT
Pedro Sánchez, leader of the Social Democrat party PSOE, will head the new government. “We're going to sign a new page in the history of democracy in our country”, he pointed out ahead of Friday's vote.
Sánchez said he will address the “social urgencies” of Spaniards, adding that he was “aware of the responsibility and the complex political moment of our country”.
He is expected to be sworn in by Monday and appoint his cabinet next week.
180 MPs SUPPORT THE MOTION
The motion passed with the support of 180 MPs, four more than the 176 needed in the 350-seat Parliament. There was one abstention and 169 MPs opposed it.
Mariano Rajoy greeted Pedro Snache at the end of the vote. / Spanish Parliament.Sánchez secured a majority in the vote after gaining support from various smaller parties from various smaller parties, including the Basque Nationalist Party,which has a crucial five seats in parliament.
“We believe we are responding to what most Basques want and best complying with our responsibility by voting yes [to the motion]”, said Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) spokesman Aitor Esteban on Thursday.
RAJOY: “IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR TO LEAVE A BETTER SPAIN”
During the second day of debate on Friday, Mr Rajoy admitted facing defeat and told MPs that it has been “an honour to be the President of Spain, and to leave a better Spain than I found”.
“I hope that my successor will be able to say the same when his time comes. My thanks to the Spanish people for lending me their support and understanding. And good luck to everyone for the good of Spain”, he concluded.
Here is where it gets interesting: they marry. And have kids. And Tim’s father dies.
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Ruth Valerio: A lifestyle that cares about creation
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Kathy Bryan: Online sex trafficking in the USA
“Prostitution is nobody’s dream, it’s a very traumatic lifestyle”, says Kathy Bryan, director of the Elevate Academy. She mentors former victims.
Bulgaria: Evangelicals ask government to protect religious minorities
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Photos: #WalkForFreedom
Abolitionists marched through 400 cities in 51 countries. Pictures from Valencia (Spain), October 20.
Photos: Reaching people with disabilities
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Photos: Hope for Europe
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Bulgarian evangelicals ask politicians to defend “basic freedoms”
Protests and prayers continue in Bulgaria for the sixth week.
What are the benefits of the whole family being on mission?
“We’re not taking energy from my ministry when we care for our family in missional kind of ways”, says President of Josiah Venture Dave Patty.
“We need prayers for Bulgaria”
An interview with Pastor Vlady Raichinov, Vice President of the Bulgarian Evangelical Alliance.
‘Mediterráneo’
“Something will change if you have hunger and thirst for justice”, sings Spanish artist Eva Betoret in a song about the refugee crisis.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
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