Roundup: Bitter "victory" for Spain's PP as vote collapses in regional elections

The ruling Popular Party (PP) suffered a serious electoral setback in the local and regional elections which were held in Spain on Sunday.

Although the PP was the technical "winner" in the day's vote, the party led by Mariano Rajoy only won 26.9 percent of the total vote, well below the 44 percent they polled in the 2011 general elections and lost control of many town halls and regional assemblies.

The Socialist Party (PSOE) will be reasonably content with their showing, although the 25.06 percent they polled is still below their 2011 general election performance the PSOE show signs of recovery and will be able to govern in many areas alongside left-wing formation Podemos.

The election also highlighted the new political scenery in Spain as Podemos and Citizens (Ciudadanos) confirmed their role on the political stage with Citizens polling 6.55 percent of the vote and Podemos performing better.

As well as seeing their share of the vote drastically reduced, the PP also lost their ruling majorities in many of their traditional strongholds such as the cities of Valencia, Valladolid and Madrid.

The vote means the PP has also lost its majorities in communities such as Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, Valencia and Extremadura, where the PSOE and Podemos (in its various forms) would be able to govern if they can agree a coalition.

One of the key votes was in Madrid where the experienced Esperanza Aguirre won the election, but saw the PP majority overturned and the city will be able to be governed by a coalition of Ahora Madrid and the PSOE.

Meanwhile, the PP also lost its majority in the Madrid Regional Parliament where they would have to form pacts in order to return to power.

Finally, there was a surprise in Barcelona where Ana Colau, who gained fame as an anti-eviction activist, led the most voted for party in the Catalan city, winning 11 seats in the local council ahead of standing major Javier Trias. Endit