Spain votes in crucial general election

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for an early election following significant losses suffered by his Spanish Socialist Workers' Party and its far-left ally, Unidas Podemos, in the local and regional elections held in May.

Having served as the premier since 2018, Sanchez faces a challenging electoral landscape.

Pre-election opinion polls for Sunday's voting indicate that the right-wing Popular Party, which emerged victorious in the May elections, is leading ahead of the Socialists. However, forming a government may require the support of the extreme right Vox party.

The outcome of the election will play a crucial role in determining the future political direction of Spain and its alignment with the broader political shifts occurring across the European Union. (ILKHA)