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M. Continuo

Spain's king picks socialist chief to try to form government


    MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's King Felipe has nominated socialist chief Pedro Sanchez to lead talks with political parties to form a government and seek the confidence of parliament, the speaker of the lower house Patxi Lopez announced on Tuesday.

    Speaking after a brief meeting with the king, Lopez said Sanchez would need at least three weeks, possibly a month, before a first parliamentary confidence vote can be organised.

    Under Spain's constitution, a two-month deadline for the formation of a government comes into effect once this first vote takes place. If that deadline expires a new national election is called.

    (Reporting by Julien Toyer; Editing by Alison Williams)