Spain Is Left With a Mess

Technically, the notion of a three-way coalition between the Socialists, Ciudadanos and Podemos is not quite dead yet. With its trademark fondness for direct democracy, Podemos has invited its internet-based membership of 393,000 subscribers to vote on such a coalition. But they are expected to reject the deal; the leader of Podemos, Pablo Iglesias, a radical former professor, suggests he may resign if they do not. Mr Iglesias has increased his power over the party in recent weeks, sacking its third-highest official, Sergio Pascual, and taking personal control of coalition negotiations. Some observers see this as a victory for the party’s anti-capitalist hardliners. Others see an attempt by Mr Pascual to stamp his authority on a party torn between its participatory principles and the desire for a strong leader.