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Spain's Opposition Leader Sanchez Expected to Oust Rajoy

by Ralph Jennings

   MADRID --

   Socialist opposition leader Pedro Sanchez is on the brink of ending
   Mariano Rajoy's more than six-year reign as Spanish prime minister in
   what would be the first ouster of a serving leader by parliament in
   four decades of democracy.
   Barring last-minute surprises, a no-confidence vote that would oust
   Rajoy and make Sanchez prime minister-designate is expected to pass by
   a narrow majority in parliament's 350-seat lower house.
   Rajoy's likely removal follows corruption convictions last week
   involving former members of his conservative Popular Party.

   On Friday, Rajoy told the Spanish parliament that he is proud of his
   record as prime minister in brief remarks ahead of a no-confidence vote
   that appears set to give the power to the opposition Socialists.
   "It has been a honor to leave Spain better than I found it. Thank you
   to all Spaniards and good luck," he said.