“If there is a will on both sides, we have a great future,” the president said. He explained that the Socialist Party had read the approved decision and that there were points that could be discussed.

The PSOE’s decision to opt for abstention in Rajoy’s investiture session was taken by 139 votes to 96. It will do so in the second ballot, after the rejection in the first ballot. The party’s desire is to “directly condemn” the PP’s policies in the first ballot and to “end the state of emergency” in the second ballot.

How this abstention has become a reality for socialist puzzles. Three members of the PSOE-led interim management, at the post-vote meeting, defended the abstention in an “intelligent” manner. In order to avoid the breakup of the party, the abstention of eleven MPs necessary to make Rajoy president would suffice for them.

The president of the Gestora, Javier Fernández, explained that all the deputies of the party must do the same, complying with the internal discipline of the party. However, it will be up to the Parliamentary Group to decide how the decision will be implemented.

The rupture within the party has no end, waiting for what they will do in Parliament. Many MEPs, including Odon Elorza of Donostia/San Sebastián, have said they will continue to support the rejection. The PSOE and the PSC of the Balearic Islands, which until now have been the defenders of the No, can continue along the same path. In the case of the Catalans, the decision will be taken at the meeting on Tuesday. The president of the PSC, Miquel Iceta, argued that they must act coherently and maintain their “commitment” to the citizens. The PSE, although it has so far aligned itself in favour of the No, anticipates that it will abide by the decision taken by the party.