Opposition Party Takes Power As Spain's PM, Mariano Rajoy Fails No-Confidence Vote

Rajoy's fate was sealed after the Socialists secured support for the no confidence motion Thursday from a number of smaller parties in Parliament, including the Basque Nationalist Party.

In total, 180 of the chamber's 350 lawmakers voted in support of the motion, a clear majority. There were 169 votes against and one abstention.

The chamber erupted in applause after the results of the vote were read out.

Rajoy effectively conceded defeat ahead of the vote, congratulating Sanchez on his expected win.

"In light of what we all know, I presume that the vote of no confidence will go ahead, and Pedro Sánchez will become the prime minister and I want to be the first to congratulate him," Rojoy told Parliament.

"I will accept the result of the vote as the democrat I am, but I cannot agree with what has been done."

Sanchez, the leader of the main opposition Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), would then automatically become prime minister.

As soon as the vote of no confidence passes, the President of the Parliament, Ana Pastor, must inform the king. From that moment, according to the Spanish constitution, Sanchez will be considered to be in office.

Sanchez has said that he would call for snap elections should he become Prime Minister.

Rajoy was greeted with applause by his fellow Popular Party members as he arrived in the chamber where lawmakers were debating the motion of no confidence Friday morning.

Visibly moved as he gave what may be his last address as Spain's leader, he also thanked those in his party and the Spanish people. "It has been an honor to be the Prime Minister of Spain, it has been an honor to leave a better Spain than I found," he said.

"I wish my substitute could say the same when his day comes, for the good of Spain."