Mariano Rajoy re-elected as Spanish Prime Minister

Mariano Rajoy was re-elected as Prime Minister of Spain after his investiture was ratified by the Congress.

“With courage, strength and determination we managed to overcome many of the challenges we had to face in the last four years, and I’m sure we can do the same again,” he said after the result was announced on Saturday, Efe news reported.

The Popular Party leader needed to receive more votes in his favour than against, and the Socialist Party’s (PSOE) abstention meant he received enough support from the Congress members to be invested.

He received 170 votes in his favour, while 111 voted against his re-election and 68 abstained.

“I greatly appreciate all the Spanish people who voted for me and I promise I will govern well for everyone, whether they voted for me or not,” he added.

He said he had already spoken to King Felipe VI, who is currently attending the 25th Iberoamerican Summit in Colombia, and that they had decided that he is to be sworn in on Friday, after announcing who will form part of his government on Thursday.