MADRID (Sputnik) — In last year's election, which failed to yield a government, the PP won 123 seats in the lower house of parliament, 64 less than in the previous election. The PSOE won 90, and Podemos came third, securing 69 seats. At least 176 seats are required for a parliamentary majority, necessary to form a government.
"We won the election and we are asserting our right to remain in power for the benefit of all Spanish people — those who voted for us and those who did not," Rajoy told his supporters.
Vamos a dialogar con las fuerzas políticas, #España merece cuanto antes un Gobierno moderado para que la recuperación llegue a todos #Afavor
— Mariano Rajoy Brey (@marianorajoy) June 26, 2016
Rajoy said that starting from tomorrow, his party will arrange negotiations with all the other parties in Spain, with the sole purpose of protecting Spain.
"Spanish society gave support to our party and it was difficult, but we have won the battle for Spain and for Spanish people, without forcing anyone against their will, [and we fought] only for the common interests of the Spanish people. We are the party that focuses on the interests of all Spanish people and our party deserves respect."
According to the new elections results with 99.8 percent of all votes being counted, Spain’s center-right PP won in Spain's Sunday parliamentary election, with the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) coming second.
The PP has received 33 percent of all votes counted and thus will have 137 seats in the 350-seat Lower House of Parliament.
Gracias a todos los miembros del @PPopular, la victoria es vuestra y de los españoles que han creído en este proyecto. Por #España, #Afavor
— Mariano Rajoy Brey (@marianorajoy) June 26, 2016