Conservative Feijoo fails in bid to become Spain's new prime minister

Feijoo failed to get a straight majority in a second vote on his candidacy in the 350-seat house, with 177 deputies opposing him and 172 supporting him, with one nullified vote. All eyes will now turn to the socialist-led bid to form a government.

If Sanchez's efforts also fail, there will likely be a repeat general election in January. Feijoo had told Congress in a fractious debate that he knew he would lose the second vote.

"I assume that, predictably, I won't get it. You can call it failure if you want," Feijoo said. He lost a first vote on Wednesday. "Today, I won't be able to give you a government, but I have given you assurance and hope," he added.