Spain's Rajoy takes “decisive step” to form governmentAugust 18, 2016 - 18:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Spain's acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said on Thursday, August 18 he had taken a "decisive step" towards forming a government by agreeing to a pact with a smaller rival, but still lacks the majority he needs for a second term, Reuters reports. Spain has been mired in a political limbo after elections in December and June left all parties short of a majority and unable to agree on terms to govern together. Rajoy, whose conservative People's Party (PP) came first in both ballots, said he was now ready to face a parliamentary vote to form a government. He still lacks the backing he needs from the second-placed Socialists, but he told a news conference he had agreed to terms demanded by the smaller centrist Ciudadanos ("Citizens") party to win their support. "We have taken a decisive step towards forming a government so that there will not be another election," Rajoy told journalists after meeting Ciudadanos leader Albert Rivera. Rajoy said he would ask the speaker of Spain's parliament later on Thursday to set a date for the investiture vote. Ciudadanos came fourth in the Dec. 20 and June 26 elections. It had set out a six-point pact of anti-corruption and political reform measures as a condition of its support. Even with Ciudadanos, the PP will still be seven seats short of a majority in the 176-seat lower house of parliament, meaning Rajoy needs at least an abstention from the Socialists to win an investiture vote. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |