(VOVworld) – Spanish parties restarted coalition negotiations on Tuesday in a surprise move just as the May 2^nd deadline to form a government draws near.

King Felipe VI (left) met Isidro Martinez Oblanca, leader of Foro Asturias Party, to discuss the formation of new government. (Photo: EPA/VNA)

Antonio Hernando, spokesman for the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party, said the negotiations began after Compromis, a small, regional group involved in coalition talks, submitted a last-ditch proposal for a new government. The proposal came as King Felipe VI prepared to wrap up consultations with various party leaders before declaring on Tuesday or Wednesday whether there is any hope for a coalition deal, or whether fresh elections are inevitable. Spain still faces political uncertainty 18 weeks after last December’s election. Unless a new government is formed by May 2^nd, King Felipe VI will dismiss the cabinet and allow new elections to be held on June 26^th.