Spain's general election will take place in March and Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero will not seek a coalition if he fails to beat the opposition, Mr Zapatero said in an interview published yesterday.

Some political commentators had said he was likely to bring the election forward in order to cash in on the Socialist government's narrow lead in popularity over the Conservative Popular Party.

The government needs time to pass some 30 laws still awaiting parliamentary approval before calling elections. Among the measures waiting approval are a 2,500 euro cash pledge for each newborn, aimed at boosting Spain's low birth rate.

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