Mallorca election talks: Ara Més rules out Podemos lead
Mallorca’s MÉS per Mallorca says its alliance, Ara Més, must lead a joint Balearic left-wing list for Spain’s 29 November general election — not Podemos. In Palma, Mallorca, on Wednesday 14 October, its leader Lluís Apesteguia and Josep Castells of Més per Menorca set out that position. Both still want Podemos, Sumar and Esquerra Unida on the same ballot for seats in Spain’s Congress of Deputies.
One ballot, but who leads it?
Ara Més brings together MÉS per Mallorca, Més per Menorca and Ara Eivissa. Castells says the balance of support between the parties justifies an Ara Més candidate at the top. Apesteguia says the alliance is the largest party in the talks.
Esquerra Unida also wants a single list. Its spokesman, Óscar Rodríguez, says Ara Més leading it and Podemos taking second place could help secure a deal. José María García of Esquerra Unida says that, if the list wins a seat, its candidate should serve the full term rather than share it between parties.
Separate talks over Senate seats
MÉS and the Socialist party, PSOE, are also discussing joint Senate candidates for Mallorca, Menorca, Eivissa and Formentera. Apesteguia says he is optimistic, but warns that talks can run to the last moment. No deal has been announced.
The conservative Partido Popular plans to stand under its own name with its own candidates. Vox says it is ready to field candidates too; its national leadership would decide on any agreement with the Partido Popular.
The parties have until Friday to register election coalitions. Before then, MÉS per Mallorca and Més per Menorca plan to discuss the talks at party meetings.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com