Spain to choose between Sanchez or return of the right
The Hindu
Spain votes Sun. on whether to give Socialist PM Pedro Sanchez a new 4-yr mandate or bring right-wing to power with far-right ally. It would be a huge blow for left-wing parties in Europe & symbolic as Spain holds EU presidency. Polls suggest victory for PP, but surprises could be in store. Record absentee ballots cast due to summer holidays & high undecided rate. Polls open/close 9am/8pm, results expected a few hrs later.
Spain votes Sunday on whether to hand Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez a fresh four-year mandate or, as polls suggest, bring the right back to power with its far-right ally.
Ahead of European elections in 2024, a shift to the right in the eurozone's fourth-largest economy, mirroring a similar move in Italy last year, would be a huge blow for left-wing parties in Europe.
It would be even more symbolic as Spain currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Union.
Nearly all polls and pundits suggest the vote will spell victory for Alberto Nunez Feijoo's right-wing Popular Party (PP) -- but surprises could be in store.
By the time the last surveys were published on Monday, around one in five voters were still undecided, and it remains unclear what impact the timing of the vote, held at the height of the summer holidays in the scorching late July heat, will have on the turnout.
As many Spaniards are on vacation, more than 2.47 million -- a record number -- of the 37.5 million registered voters have cast an absentee ballot, the Spanish Postal Service said on Saturday.
Polling stations open at 9:00 a.m. (0700 GMT) and close at 8:00 p.m., with the results expected a few hours later.
Cuba begins restoring power after a nationwide grid collapse, affecting thousands amid an ongoing energy crisis and blackouts.
The Hindu LIVE updates on March 23 2026 on Iran-Israel war. Iran faces deadline of US President Donald Trump warning to open Strait of Hormuz
Brazil's Lula condemns renewed colonialism and U.S. interference in developing nations at a summit in Colombia.
Saudi Arabia expels Iranian military staff amid escalating tensions and ongoing missile attacks during the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
Russia claims control of Potapivka village in Ukraine's Sumy region amid ongoing military efforts to establish a buffer zone.
Iranian missile strikes on Israeli towns cause widespread damage and injuries, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
As Gor makes first trip as U.S. Special envoy to South Asia, Delhi watches strategic signals closely
Sergio Gor's inaugural trip as U.S. Special Envoy to South Asia signals strategic U.S. engagement amid regional tensions.
Slovenians vote in a tight election between liberal and populist candidates, impacting the country's future domestic and foreign policies.
Netanyahu asserts U.S.-Israel alliance fights Iranian threats, emphasizing global security after missile strikes on Israeli and European targets.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian villages in the West Bank, causing injuries and destruction amid ongoing settlement expansion.
Britain asserts no evidence of Iran planning missile strikes on Europe, despite Israeli claims of missile capabilities.
UNESCO reports over half of countries have banned phones in schools due to concerns about attention, cyberbullying, and social media impact.
Analysis reveals a U.S.-operated Patriot missile likely caused a pre-dawn explosion in Bahrain, injuring numerous civilians.