Podemos' Pivotal Vote: A Budget Stand-Off with Socialists

Podemos members are voting on whether to condition their support for Spain's budget on severing ties with Israel and implementing rent control measures. The party's decision is crucial as the socialist-led government requires their votes to pass the budget amid other coalition complexities.

Members of Spain's hard-left Podemos party are casting their votes on a critical decision to link their support for the national budget to the government cutting diplomatic ties with Israel and reducing rent prices by law.

The Socialist-led administration, headed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, is navigating a tight coalition landscape. The backing of four Podemos lawmakers is essential for budget approval. However, Sanchez's government also needs to negotiate with Catalan separatists Junts and Basque regionalists PNV, each presenting unique demands.

Ione Belarra, Podemos Secretary General, has been outspoken against the government's policies following her departure from the coalition. She urges party members to take a firm stance on cutting Israel ties and addressing the housing crisis. The ongoing internal vote, which concludes on October 27, will determine the party's stance.

(With inputs from agencies.)