Spain’s conservative opposition Popular Party conceded defeat yesterday, saying that the ruling Socialist Workers Party, led by Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero, appeared to have won the elections. The socialists secured 169 seats, falling short of the 176 needed for an overall majority, and will likely form alliances with smaller regional parties in order to govern.

The prime minister’s win in 2004 was seen as a fluke to conservative critics who saw Sunday’s vote as their chance to correct the mistake. This victory gives Zapatero some legitimacy though the opposition conservatives were also successful in picking up seats. Sadly, both parties gained at the expense of smaller leftist and regional groups.

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