The Socialist party has said it will stop blocking the conservative Popular Party from forming a minority government in Spain.

It should end the country's nearly 10-month political impasse.

Members of the Socialists' federal committee said they would abstain from voting against acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy during a confidence vote in Parliament.

The committee voted 139 to 96 in favor of the abstention, a decision that should prevent a third election.

Two inconclusive elections since last December left Mr Rajoy in charge of a caretaker government. His Popular Party won both elections, but not enough seats to form a majority in Parliament.

Spain has been led for decades by either the conservatives or the Socialists and has never had a coalition government.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.