Spain's Socialist Party Balks at Podemos's Referendum Request

  • Podemos, Ciudadanos leaders hold meetings with Rajoy
  • King Felipe may play role as mediator if impasse continues
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Spain’s political impasse deepened as the Socialists said they won’t consider forging a partnership with supporters of a Catalan independence vote in a move that will complicate creating a ruling coalition.

The anti-austerity party Podemos, a possible governing ally that finished third in the election this month after the People’s Party and the Socialists, has indicated it would seek a referendum on Catalonia’s separation from Spain.