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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.
As a relict species it has only managed to survive on a handful of isolated mountain-tops.
There are certain things which seem to open suddenly a new dimension to us: a brief moment of eternity.
Nothing can change the certainty that God is at our side. Always, without exception.
Ruth Valerio: A lifestyle that cares about creation
Are Christians called to make a difference in environmental care? What has creation care to do with "loving our neighbours"? An interview with the Global Advocacy and Influencing Director of Tearfund.
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.
Christians in politics?
What is the role of Christians serving in politics? An interview with Auke Minnema, the new General Director of the European Christian Political Movement (ECPM).
Michael Ramsden: Communicating the Gospel in today’s societies
RZIM International Director Michael Ramsden responds to questions about the secularisation of Europe, the role of Christians in public leadership and the new ‘culture of victimism’.
Michael Schluter: Relationships are the key to build Europe
The economist summarises the manifesto “Confederal Europe: Strong Nations, Strong Union” and explains why personal relationships should be at the centre of our economy, education and democracy.
Efraim Tendero: Relationship with Roman Catholicism and other current issues
The World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General participated in the Italian Evangelical Alliance assembly (Rome, 8-9 April). In this interview with Evangelical Focus, Bp Tendero talks about the need to listen to local churches and to face challenges like the refugee crisis and climate change.
Greg Pritchard: European Leadership Forum
Pritchard explains the vision of ELF, comments on the 2015 event in Poland and reflects on what it means to have an "evangelical identity".
Analysing current issues in the light of the Bible
At the 2018 Apologetics Forum in Comarruga (Spain), Michael Ramsden, Pablo Martinez, Ruth Valerio and José de Segovia analysed how society and the Bible approach the issues of personal identity, integrity, sexuality, pop culture, and environmental care.
European “Bridges to Inclusion” gathering 2018, in Riga
The network of Christian ministries working for the inclusion of people with disabilities, celebrated its tenth continental meeting in Latvia with the participation of 12 countries.
Coexistence in the church - a model for society
“Gospel, identity and coexistence” were the themes of the General Assembly of the Spanish Evangelical Alliance. Two days in Palma de Mallorca to reflect about the role of evangelical churches in society.
'Ungi kulimi changana'
Educator and journalist Jordi Torrents shares images of the Sekeleka social centre in Mozambique. About 50 children live there, many with some kind of disability. All photos were taken with permission.
The President in an evangelical church on Christmas Eve
For the first time, the President of Portugal attended a worship service in an evangelical church. It was in Sintra, on Christmas Eve.
Stamps to commemorate the Reformation
Poland, Lithuania, Namibia and Brazil are some of the countries that have issued special stamps on the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses.
Trailer: “The Peace Between”
A film about the experience of refugees in Europe. Churches, small groups and individuals are encouraged to use it during Refugee Week: 17-24 June.
How can churches better support singles?
Tina Tschage, on some areas in which other Christians can encourage singles.
The Church of Scotland debates historic doctrines
The Kirk has begun official procedures to investigate the status and the role of the Westminster Confession of Faith within its denomination.
Be safe on social media
A video about the way traffickers target teenage girls online, produced by anti-slavery gorup Abolishion.
In Mission
A 360º lyric video about how all followers of Jesus Christ are called to serve God. Duo in Spanish (Alex Sampedro) and Portuguese (Marcos Martins).
Heart
A short animation film by Swiss cartoonist Alain Auderset tells the message of the Bible in four minutes.
Philip Yancey interview
An 8-minute interview with Philip Yancey on the role of Christians in a secularised society. Recorded in Madrid, September 2016.
An interview with Prof. John Lennox
New atheism, the definition of "faith", Christianity in Europe, the role of the Bible in mission, and the need to listen more. An exclusive interview recorded at "Forum Apologética" (Tarragona, Spain) in May 2016.
Opinions expressed are those of their respective contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of Evangelical Focus.
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