Two days of reflection. That's what Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez has given himself after his budget today floundered in the Congress. According to government sources, this Friday will see the normal cabinet meeting, after which his decision will be announced.
The political landscape is difficult for the prime minister. He came to power last summer, ousting Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote, but without a majority, needing the votes of Podemos and the pro-independence Catalan parties ERC and PDeCAT. After Madrid's refusal to enter into discussions with Barcelona over Catalonia's right to self-determination, those latter parties today did not give their support to his budget. Immediately after today's vote, Sánchez left the chamber to continue with his agenda. For hours, the talk around the Congress had been on the end of a chapter and an election a year early.
Government sources have even speculated over possible dates: the most likely option appears to be 28th April. They don't see either the 14th April or 26th May as viable. The second is already set to see European, regional and municipal elections in Spain. It remains to be seen what Sánchez decides on Friday.
Despite the last minute efforts of Pablo Iglesias (Podemos), who has even talked with president in exile Carles Puigdemont, PSOE had already given up on passing their proposal this Tuesday at the start of the debate.